Government 'a failure' over crises in youth mental health and homelessness

In September 2022, 4,100 children were waiting for their first appointment with Camhs, almost double the figure from the same period the previous year, which CRA described as “deeply concerning”. File picture

The Government is failing to deliver on its commitment to youth mental health while the homelessness crisis affecting children is “long past a crisis point”, according to a children’s advocacy group.

The Children’s Rights Alliance (CRA) published its 15th annual report card which evaluates and grades the Government's progress on actions for children. It found that a “persistent” lack of action and progress on commitments to marginalised and vulnerable children has resulted in “deepening inequalities”.