Mark Whitehead 08 March 2023

Waiting times for children’s mental health services on the rise

Waiting times for children’s mental health services on the rise image
Image: fizkes/Shutterstock.com.

Average waiting times between children being referred to mental health services and starting treatment are increasing for the first time since 2017, according to the latest information.

The children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza says this is a reversal of the trend before the COVID pandemic.

Figures from the NHS show average waiting times between a child being referred to mental health services and starting treatment has increased from 32 days in 2020-21 to 40 days in 2021-22.

The commissioner says less than half the 1.4 million children thought to have a mental health disorder received at least one contact with children and young people’s mental health services.

Dame de Souza said she wanted to see mental health support teams in every school by the end of 2025.

In the foreword to the report she says: ‘This data is the first available since services were widely re-opened after the pandemic, and shows a surging demand for help.

‘The welcome progress that has been made in recent years on improving children’s access to the right support is struggling to keep up with this demand – with waiting times increasing in the first time in years.

‘It is vital that this support is made available because to allow children the chance to recover, and go on to achieve all that they want to, but also because without support things can end up in crisis.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Part Time Advanced Skills Worker

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Part Time Advanced Skills WorkerPermanent, Part TimePart Time Advanced Skills WorkerLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Director of Facilities Management

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£99,084 - £116, 847
We’re looking for a strategic and operational leader to shape the future of facilities management Richmond upon Thames, London (Greater)
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Director of Adult Social Care Operations

Camden London Borough Council
c£120,000
Camden is a borough defined by its people – diverse, dynamic, and driven Camden, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Camden London Borough Council

Shift Lead (Longlands) Adult Social Care

West Northamptonshire Council
£28,716
Longlands Care home is situated in Daventry, we offer a happy and safe living environment in which our residents can enjoy an enhanced quality of life. Our Team of friendly and committed staff provide the highest level of care and specialise in supportin Daventry
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Senior Technician-Road Closures

Derbyshire County Council
£35,422 - £38,730
The Network Planning division is seeking to appoint someone who is enthusiastic and a team player Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council
Linkedin Banner