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Silent Catastrophe

Responding to the Danger Signs of Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services in Trouble

This ACP report was published in June 2018 as part of our Treat Them Right campaign.  It highlighted that children and young people are facing serious and possibly increasing challenges to their mental health and that many fail to get the treatment and care they need and deserve.

Along with many others, the Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACP)  was concerned about the quality of services available to children and young people with mental health difficulties. Based on an extensive survey of ACP members, it argued that, whilst there is much good practice currently taking place across the UK, in many areas specialist CAMHS services are being downgraded, with a loss of much needed clinical expertise and leadership.  It is becoming increasingly hard to provide effective care and treatment for children and young people, especially those with the most severe and long-standing needs. The report offers ways of working towards better services that meet the needs of all children and young people and we outline what a high-quality service looks like.