Waiting list for CAHMS exceeds 4,500 for first time

The waiting list for (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) has exceeded over 4,500, a figure that a Dublin TD has called “extremely worrying”.

Mark Ward, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West, said that the record high waiting list for the service represents a “worrying trend.”

“747 of these children have been waiting for over a year for CAMHS services; it is unacceptable for one young person to be waiting over a year, let alone 747 children,” he said.

“CAMHS are for young people with moderate to severe mental health problems and Minister Butler (Minister of State at the Department of Health) has pointed out the increase in the number of referrals to CAMHS as a contributing factor in the increased waiting times.”

“Minister Butler was appointed in July 2020 when the number of children waiting on a first-time appointment with CAMHS was 2112 – there has been a staggering 112% increase under her watch,” Deputy Ward remarked.

“There has also been an increase of 248% increase in young people waiting over a year on their first-time appointment under this Government’s watch.”

Despite the numbers involved, Deputy Ward noted that there is a face behind the headline numbers.

“We can all get bogged down in statistics but behind each statistic is a young person, with hope, dreams and ambitions who is being denied by this Government the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

“Government have failed our young people in the provision of vital mental health services.”