The new health secretary has said it is unacceptable that large numbers of youngsters are being refused for specialist treatment
The new health secretary has pledged to cut the amount of young people who are failing to receive vital mental health support.
Jeane Freeman has described the current system of rejecting referrals for child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) as completely unacceptable.
A Scottish Government commissioned report on rejected referrals has found that young people are not being given adequate explanations for refusal for specialist treatment.
It found most referrals are rejected without a face-to-face assessment, and that children find rejection frustrating, with many believing they will only be seen if they are considered at risk of suicide.
The pledge from Freeman – who was named in the position following the Scottish Government reshuffle last week – has been welcomed by the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), which has been highlighting concerns around lack of access to CAMHS.
Freeman said: “Demand on mental health services is growing but far too many young people are being turned away from help or waiting too long to be seen.
“This report finds that, while CAMHS may not be the right path for some of those referred, young people are being rejected from treatment without proper explanation or being directed to more appropriate care. That is completely unacceptable.”
In a bid to improve services for children that require help, a new CAMHS Taskforce is being created, backed with £5 million of investment.
A spokesman for the SCSC said: “The appointment of a workforce to reshape and improve CAMHS is to be welcomed, as are the initial recommendations for action which it is good to see will be provided over the summer.
“Demand on CAMHS has increased dramatically, and there is a clear need not only to increase investment in such services, but to invest in adequate alternative support as well as refocusing on services that provide prevention and early intervention. Over the years however we have seen existing services being cut, putting excessive pressure on specialist CAMHS and the third sector.”
The audit on CAMHS rejections was carried out by the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and NHS Information Services Division on behalf of the government.
SAMH chief executive, Billy Watson said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to improve the experiences of children and young people who are seeking help for their mental health. We know that during the period we have conducted this audit, thousands more young people have seen their referral to CAMHS services rejected.
“Achieving positive outcomes for children and young people has been at the heart of this study and speaking to more than 360 children, young people and their families about their experiences has been a real privilege.”
Mental health expert Dr Dame Denise Coia will head the taskforce, with initial recommendations for action set to be provided over the summer.
Dr Coia said: “I’m looking forward to working with colleagues in health, education, children’s services and the third sector, to improve children’s mental health services delivery.”
