Current Camhs system 'isn't fit for purpose' for neurodivergent users, say parents

A key issue raised was 'disruptions' in continuity of care, including frequent staff changes, and the impact on children.

Parents of children in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (Camhs) have backed recommendations in new research calling for urgent investment in the system and a “cultural” change within it.

Families for Reform of Camhs said the findings of the research — which was conducted by clinicians and academics attached to Camhs — “ring true” and reflects the experiences of many of its members.

The organisation, which was set up by a group of parents in May 2023, now boasts more than 1,500 members.

It was responding to a study, conducted by senior psychiatrists and pharmacists attached to Camhs, that was based on interviews with 22 families with loved ones in the service.

The research, Exploring the Experience of Caregivers’ Attending Camhs, said families felt they were “talked over, dismissed, or not taken seriously” in consultations and were in “fear of repercussions” if they spoke up.

The study said parents cited an “over-reliance” on medication and an absence of psychological therapies.

A key issue raised was “disruptions” in continuity of care, including frequent staff changes, and the impact on children.

The parents also highlighted “chronic understaffing” and “burnout” among clinicians, as well as waiting lists of up to four years.

Attitude towards neurodivergence

The study also found widespread criticism among families regarding the attitude towards children who were neurodivergent.

In a statement, Families for Reform of Camhs welcomed the research. It said the findings “ring true” for many of its members.

Anonymous comments from members in the statement said:

• “Very damning piece of research, but is the unfortunate reality of what families are experiencing. Sadly, the biggest cohort of service users are neurodivergent, and yet they are not a neuro-inclusive service”;
• “Nothing has changed. How long have we all been fighting for change?”;
• “Emphasis needs to be on building trust with the young person in a safe and welcoming environment. Consistency and basic humanity is the key. The current system isn’t fit for purpose, especially those who are neurodivergent”;
• “It’s maddening how many families and children’s lives are affected and not receiving adequate help."

The statement said the research also echoed findings from its own 2024 survey.

It said the inspector of mental health services said in 2023 that she could not “provide an assurance to all parents or guardians in all parts of Ireland that their children have access to a safe, effective, and evidence-based mental health service”. 

The statement said: “The government and the HSE have acknowledged service deficits and a severe shortfall in resourcing, and yet we have seen no real reform or no real commitment to bring about change. And children continue to suffer."

It said children were reliant on a service where parents have "to battle" to gain access to and "battle again" to get any support beyond medication. 

The organisation backed calls in the research for “ring-fenced” funding for Camhs and measures to address “staffing shortages”.

It said there was an urgent need to increase dedicated Camhs teams for children with intellectual disabilities and an “end to the discrimination” against autistic children.

• Cormac O'Keeffe is the Security Correspondent for the Irish Examiner.