02.12.2008
An inquiry into child and adolescent mental health services has been launched today by the Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee with a call for evidence.
An inquiry into child and adolescent mental health services has been launched today by the Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee with a call for evidence.
After making a number of informal visits to child and adolescent mental health projects around Scotland earlier this year, where they spoke to service users, the committee has decided to focus its inquiry on the younger generation’s needs.
The committee is particularly interested in how children and adolescents at risk of developing mental health problems are identified by the medical and other professions. It is also keen to learn more about access to services and ongoing support for this group of children and any improvements that could be made in the transition from children’s mental health services to adult mental health services.
Committee Convener Christine Grahame MSP said: “Mental health services in Scotland are perceived by some as the ‘Cinderella service’ of the NHS. Having undertaken visits to services around Scotland, committee members are very much aware of the vulnerable nature of the young users of these services and of the importance of early identification, intervention and later, the successful transition to adult services.”