MHC welcomes Minister’s request to develop standards for CAMHS
The Mental Health Commission (MHC) has welcomed the announcement this morning that the Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler, TD, has requested the MHC to expedite the development of national standards for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
The amendments to the Mental Health Bill 2024 will soon progress through Committee Stage in the Oireachtas, and amongst more than 200 proposed changes is the expansion of the regulatory function of the MHC to include all community mental health residences and services, including all community CAMHS.
The Chairperson of the Mental Health Commission, Dr John Hillery, said: “It is positive to note the prioritisation of the new mental health legislation by the Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler, TD, and her determination that the MHC expedite the development of national standards for CAMHS. The regulation of CAMHS, through the development and implementation of national quality standards, is a significant step on behalf of the Irish State.
“The expansion of the MHC’s regulatory powers, including the regulation of CAMHS, will ensure that appropriate oversight occurs to ensure better and safer services are delivered in our communities and to our children using mental health services.”
The Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission, John Farrelly, said: “We are happy, at the Minister’s request, to progress the development of these standards expeditiously. The process will include a full evidence review and the formation of an expert advisory group. The core of the process will include listening to the voice of young persons and their parents, clinicians, advocacy groups and a full public consultation.
“The MHC has a mandate to foster high standards and good practice in the delivery of mental health care. Given Minister Butler’s request, we will expedite this work from which national standards for the provision of CAMHS will be brought by the MHC to her, as Minister of Mental Health, for approval."
