Mentally distressed children dying due to a lack of services

Gráinne Finucane with her children Saoirse and Finn — both of whom have suffered with suicidal ideation — at their home in Clonmellon, Co Westmeath. Picture: Barry Cronin

Parents of suicidal children who were refused care by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs) have said there is “systemic discrimination” against children with dual diagnoses of mental illness and a disability like autism.

Parents, who narrowly rescued their own children from suicide attempts, said that mentally distressed children are dying due to a lack of services.