MHC launches new public consultation to inform the development of State’s first national standards for CAMHS
MHC launches new public consultation to inform the development of State’s first national standards for CAMHS
The Mental Health Commission (MHC) has launched a new public consultation to help inform the development of national standards for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
The development of CAMHS standards – the first in the history of the State - will support greater quality and consistency in how care and treatment are delivered in inpatient and community CAMHS services across the country.
The new Mental Health Bill 2024, which is working its way through the Oireachtas, will - once commenced - see the expansion of the regulatory function of the MHC to include all community mental health residences and services, including all community CAMHS.
The Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission, John Farrelly, said: “The reforms in the new Bill aim to modernise mental health services, ensuring that children and young people receive high-quality care that upholds and respects their human rights. The development of standards by the MHC represents an important step toward ensuring that all children and young people across Ireland have access to safe, effective, and evidence-based mental health services.”
This consultation marks the first stage of a comprehensive process designed to develop robust, evidence-based standards that reflect the needs and expectations of children, young people, families and professionals. In addition to gathering public feedback, the process will include the participation of focus groups, a global evidence review undertaken by Queen’s University Belfast; a bespoke consultation with children and adolescents facilitated by YAP Ireland; and input from a dedicated expert advisory group.
It is expected that draft standards will be published ahead of further consultation in mid-2026, ensuring that the final framework is informed by a wide range of perspectives and the strongest available evidence.
The Director of Regulation at the Mental Health Commission, Gary Kiernan, said: “The MHC aims to develop standards that are person-centred, holistic, multidisciplinary, and recovery-oriented. These standards are being developed in consultation with an expert advisory group and a broad range of stakeholders, including individuals who have used CAMHS services, families, advocates, and staff working in mental health services.
“We would like to hear from everyone as part of this consultation, but we are especially keen to hear directly from persons who have direct experience of the services provided by CAMHS,” said Mr. Kiernan. “We want to hear from the service users, their families, and advocates. Their voices and lived experiences are central to shaping services that truly reflect what matters to children and young people. We are also interested in hearing from carers, professionals working in mental health services, relevant organisations and other members of the public.” To ensure that as many voices as possible are heard, the consultation will be promoted widely through a coordinated national and regional media campaign, including radio, print and online advertising, as well as targeted engagement with key stakeholders, service users and community organisations.
The MHC will carefully assess all responses received and use the information, along with other available evidence, to develop the standards. Interested parties can complete the survey by clicking on the link Developing National Standards for CAMHS Seeking Your Views
For further information, please email standards@mhcirl.ie, or telephone 01 636 2400. If you would like to promote the consultation, you can download and print our A4 Poster by clicking the link MHC CAMHS Consultation A4 Poster.
The consultation will close at 5pm on Friday, 28 November 2025.
