The CHMHS recall state report examined care provided to children and adolescents within Child and Adolescents mental health services (CAMHS) up to 21 November 2022. Although improvements have been introduced in the years since, the report identifies significant concerns about how the care was delivered during the period reviewed.
The report highlights several serious issues:
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- High Levels of Medication Prescribing without Therapy.
Children were frequently prescribed psychotic Mental Health medications without access to appropriate ‘talk therapies’ such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Medication often appeared to be used in circumstances where psychological therapy should have also been provided. - Inadequate Physical Health Monitoring.
There were significant deficits in physical health checks and ongoing monitoring for children wo were prescribed psychiatric medication. Proper physical assessments are vital to ensure that the medication is safe and suitable for that child/adolescent. - Limited Access to Psychological Therapies
The report found low rates of access to therapies such as CBT, even when recommended by a consultant psychiatrist. In many cases, children experienced long delays before receiving appropriate psychological treatment. - Delays in Autism Assessments
Children faced extended waiting times for autism assessments through primary care and children’s disability network teams (CDNT), potentially delaying diagnosis and access to supports. - Lack of Standard Procedures and Governance.
There was little evidence that clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were in place and were consistently implemented during the period under review. Robust procedures are essential for safe and consistent care, particularly when dealing with children and adolescent mental health services. - Lack of Multidisciplinary Model in CAMHS ID.
In CAMHS Intellectual Disability (ID) services, care was described as largely unidisciplinary (psychiatry-led), rather than involving a full multidisciplinary team approach which is considered best practice.
- High Levels of Medication Prescribing without Therapy.
In summary, the report raises concerns about:
- Over reliance on Medication.
- Limited access to evidence-based psychological therapies.
- Delayed in diagnosis and treatment.
- Gaps in physical health safeguards.
- Weak governance structures during the relevant period.
While service improvements are reported to be ongoing, the findings may be significant for families whose children received treatment during the timeframe reviewed.
How this might affect the families:
- Whether their child received appropriate therapy options.
- Whether medication was prescribed safely and appropriately monitored.
- Whether delays in assessment or treatment caused harm.
- Whether care met the expected standard at the time.
If you have concerns about the care your child received within CAMHS during the relevant period, it may be advisable to seek independent legal advice to understand your rights and available options.
