Urgent action needed for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

5th September 2017

Today we saw the latest figures on access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Scotland. These statistics show how many children and young people have begun treatment with CAMHS within the Scottish Government's target of 18 weeks. 

The picture is not encouraging. The number of children and young people being seen within the 18 week target has fallen. This has happened despite a fall in the overall number of people being referred to CAMHS. The number of people being rejected from CAMHS has gone up. And the number of NHS Boards meeting the 18 week target has gone down.

All of the numbers are going in the wrong direction. We still don't know why young people are being rejected from CAMHS, and whether they are receiving any alternative help. Back in March, the Scottish Government promised to audit these rejected referrals, but we're yet to see any concrete action on this. 

Today's figures show we need urgent action. It's got to change.

To find out more or to join SAMH’s campaign for children and young people’s mental health visit: www.samh.org.uk/goingtobe