Crisis in child mental health services has been decades in the making

Reviews and regulation of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services are critically important but cannot have the desired effect if we do not have the doctors available to staff these crucial services, and the appropriate ICT, clinical and managerial structures in place nationwide, writes Professor Fiona McNicholas

Our children and adolescents deserve so much more from our health system. File photo

The interim report by the Mental Health Commission into Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs) in Ireland published this week has led to public and political outrage and, while shocking, is not at all surprising. It makes for very distressing reading and is a huge indictment on our health system.

The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland welcomes this report, which regrettably echoes many concerns we have previously identified. However, we are highly concerned that the report does not adequately take account of of other problems that are having a major effect.