Spokespeople Available: 086 044 05966
28.07.23 The findings of the Mental Health Commission’s report on CAMHS earlier this week is cause for serious concern for children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties and their parents trying to access support. The Government, HSE and Department of Health must take immediate action to reassure children and parents, demonstrating the urgent need for reform and commitment and willingness deliver on it.
It is vital that a plan is set out that will implement and deliver on the report’s recommendations and bring about swift improvements for children and young people. At a minimum, short, medium and long term measures must be introduced that will:
- Reduce waiting times for assessments and the period between assessment and receiving treatment.
- Ensure children and young people receive and have access to the same form, standard and levels of mental health care regardless of where they live in the country.
- Introduce more support and readily accessible services for those not meeting CAMHS thresholds.
Progress on these specified targets must be published every six months and reported to the Mental Health Commission. It is only through this transparency that any assurance of positive change can be provided to children and their parents, and the public more generally.
ENDS
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