Clarke calls for urgent reform of youth mental health services
Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath, Sorca Clarke, has called for urgent reform of youth mental health services in Ireland.
The constituency TD was reiterating the concerns of the College of Psychiatrists who this week stated that CAMHS is is ‘under-resourced, under pressure, and under-performing’.
“We must listen to the voices of the psychiatrists and mental health professionals who are working within CAMHS every day and witnessing these challenges firsthand.
“We must listen to them when they say that they do not have enough funding, that they do not have enough staff, that children do not have access to a safe, effective and evidence-based mental health service.
“These professionals understand the complexities of mental health care for young people and are in the best position to identify what needs to change. Their experience and insight are invaluable in shaping reforms.
“Sinn Féin have been highlighting the need to reform youth mental health for years.
“Between our team of TDs and Senators we have been contacted by hundreds of parents right across the country who have either been denied services in CAMHS or who have not received the right care when they have been accepted.
“We have spoken and listened to many families across the country who have told us that their children are being passed back and forth between services, that their children deteriorated while waiting to get onto CAMHS lists, that their children had no other option but to go to A&E while on the CAMHS waiting lists, that they had to seek supports privately while on CAMHS waiting lists for fear of losing their child.
“The system is clearly not working, not to mention the specialist service that is not being delivered to children with a dual diagnosis, with an eating disorder, if they have a specialist mental health need of ADHD, or those with suicidal ideation. Parents have reported that early intervention is not a reality.
“We need a reform of our youth mental health services where children can reach their full potential, and for families to be able to live their lives.
“Sinn Féin is listening to families and is taking these issues seriously. In government, Sinn Féin would prioritise youth mental health and the delivery of early intervention," Teachta Clarke said.