Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has given his support to Families for Reform of CAMHS in their submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth (CDEIY).

Speaking in support of the group’s campaign to raise awareness of their difficulty in receiving service for their children in CAMHS, Teachta Ward said:

“The services of CAMHS are for young people with moderate to severe mental ill-health.

“We have seen waiting lists for CAMHS more than double since this Government was formed. We have also seen the number of young people refused services by CAMHS increase.

“Families for Reform of CAMHS is a group of parents from across the state who have children struggling to receive services in CAMHS, or who have not received services because of a dual diagnosis of autism.

“I was delighted to host their presentation in the AV Room in Leinster House last month. It was important that Oireachtas members and staff heard their testimonies. The presentation was well received by members from all parties and none.

“Today, Families for Reform of CAMHS have made a submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee for CDEIY ahead of the meeting on December 5th.

“This submission outlines first-hand the experience of parents who have had their child turned away from CAMHS because they also have a diagnosis of autism. This is not good enough.

“If a child has a diagnosis of autism and also has a diagnosis of moderate to severe mental ill-health, then they should be receiving services from CAMHS.

“These families should not have to go to the lengths that they do, just for their children to receive the basic services that they are entitled to.

“I am calling for an explanation as to why Families for Reform of CAMHS are seeing their children refused access to CAMHS, despite their mental health diagnosis, and for appropriate care to finally be delivered to their children.

“I look forward to Families for Reform of CAMHS’ contribution before the committee in December.”

Families for Reform of CAMHS’ submission to the Oireachtas Committee for Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth can be read here.