Cass Review

Cass Review

Cass Review Logo

The Cass Review is an independent review of gender identity services for children and young people in the United Kingdom. It was commissioned by NHS England in 2020 and is led by Dr. Hilary Cass, a former president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. The review aims to assess the current clinical approach and service provision for young people experiencing gender dysphoria and to make recommendations for improvement.

Background

The Cass Review was initiated in response to growing concerns about the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. These concerns included the rapid increase in referrals, the clinical approach to treatment, and the long waiting times for young people seeking help.

Referrals to GIDS by assigned sex in each financial year

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Cass Review are to:

• Evaluate the clinical approach and pathways for children and young people experiencing gender dysphoria.
• Assess the evidence base for current treatments and interventions.
• Consider the views and experiences of young people, their families, and clinicians.
• Make recommendations for service improvement and future research.

Methodology

The review employs a comprehensive methodology, including:

• Systematic reviews of existing literature and evidence.
• Consultations with stakeholders, including young people, families, clinicians, and advocacy groups.
• Analysis of service data and referral patterns.

Quality of relevant studies determined in systematic reviews

Findings

The interim findings of the Cass Review highlighted several key issues:

• A lack of robust evidence for the long-term outcomes of medical interventions for gender dysphoria in young people.
• Variability in clinical practice and decision-making across different services.
• The need for a more holistic and multidisciplinary approach to care.

Recommendations

The Cass Review has made several recommendations, including:

• Developing a new service model that integrates mental health support with gender identity services.
• Enhancing training and support for clinicians working with gender-diverse young people.
• Conducting further research to strengthen the evidence base for treatments.

Impact

The Cass Review has prompted significant discussion and debate within the medical community and among policymakers. It has also influenced changes in service provision and the development of new guidelines for the care of young people with gender dysphoria.

Statue of Sigmund Freud, London

Related pages

• Gender dysphoria
• Gender Identity Development Service
• Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust
• Hilary Cass

UK Open Government Licence

External links

• [Official website of the Cass Review](https://cass.independent-review.uk/)