55,800+ children denied access to CAMHS services – EPI report
A new report from the Education Policy Institute shows that the number of children referred to mental health services in England has risen by more than a quarter in the last five years but one in four do not receive support.
The report identified the Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust as the area with the second highest average waiting time for treatment, while South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust was the second lowest. However, it points out that waiting times across providers are not necessarily comparable, as some providers may only offer certain specialist services.
According to the EPI, at least 55,800 children were denied access to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) last year in England.
Referrals were regularly rejected because the child’s situation was thought to be “not serious enough” but children who had self-harmed or experienced abuse were among those denied access.
According to the research most providers don’t follow up with those who have been unable to access treatment.
The report says a quarter of councils admit to phasing out vital services – including school mental health services and support for those living with domestic abuse.
David Laws, executive chairman of the EPI, has said: “This report shows a significant increase in demand for children’s mental health services over the last five years, even as many local authorities are having to cut back on the services they are providing.
“This is very worrying and could lead to increased access problems.”
“A large number of children referred to mental health services are already rejected for treatment, and the follow-up for these children looks unsatisfactory.”
Read the full report here.