Vision for change — or nightmare?
More than 3,000 children are currently waiting for psychiatric assessment — 1,000 of them for more than a year, according to reports.
But these are just statistics and it’s easy to hide behind them.
As a mental health professional, I have had personal experiences that show the true stories behind the numbers.
When trying to find help for children in distress it has proved impossible to do so in any reasonable time. The experience can leave families feeling horrified and helpless.
There is a particular problem in the vulnerable 16-to-18 age group. The stakes are high: mental distress and illness in children worsens if not subject to early intervention.
While I do not deal with this issue on a very frequent basis, I know my colleagues in the HSE who are social workers and child psychologists/psychiatrists are faced daily with this appalling situation.
They bear witness to the struggles of children and families who find themselves dealing with mental illness. The so-called Vision for Change designed to transform the mental health services has failed.
The failure of the Government to protect children when the public coffers were full is one of the most tragic legacies of the Celtic Tiger.
Many of these children will grow into adults with worsening illnesses. One in four people will suffer from mental health problems in their lifetime.
In the short term the appointment of more consultants must be expedited and a specific plan must be developed to bring child psychiatric services at least to average EU 15 levels.
Minister Andrews has responsibility for the protection of children.
Perhaps he might ask himself whether the much-heralded Vision for Change has already turned into a nightmare.
Nessa Childers (European Parliament candidate Ireland East)
The Labour Party
2 Belton Terrace
Castle Street
Bray
Co Wicklow
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