Sustained investment and 'cultural shift' needed in Camhs

Professionals linked to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (Camhs) say families must be partners in their children's care, Cormac O'Keeffe writes

The report said communication difficulties and breakdowns in trust between caregivers and Camhs professionals often left families 'feeling marginalised, blamed, and fearful of speaking up'. File photo

Families should be given a central role in the care of their children by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (Camhs), according to professionals and researchers attached to the service.

Parents told researchers of significant problems caused by the lack of staffing and resources as well as poor communication and perceived attitudes of clinicians.