CAMHS system must be reformed, says Smith

Labour’s health spokesperson Duncan Smith said there is a “critical need for immediate action” in reforming the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

He said that there are concerns over the well-being of Ireland’s youth, and said that stressing the limitations of the Mental Health Commission is a key part of making sure changes are implemented to the system.

Smith said the state of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services demands “our immediate attention.”

“We are witnessing a crisis unfold before our eyes, with young people facing unprecedented challenges to their mental well-being. The Mental Health Commission provides recommendations on governance and clinical reforms, but their lack of statutory authority severely hampers their ability to enforce these necessary changes.”

“The current situation is untenable. Families are left struggling to navigate a fragmented system that fails to provide adequate support and care for their children’s mental health needs. We cannot continue to allow this negligence to persist.”

Smith said that the workload for people working in CAMHS is “completely overwhelming” is in more need of Government funding.

The Dublin Fingal TD noted that in Labour’s Alternative Budget, called for new mental health funding to support implementation of Sharing the Vision, and adequate resourcing of CAMHS.

“Government must grant the Mental Health Commission the essential statutory powers needed to regulate CAMHS effectively. It is imperative that we empower the Mental Health Commission with the authority to enforce necessary reforms in CAMHS. Every day that passes without decisive action puts more young lives at risk. The time for complacency is over.”