This report focuses on progress and challenges in improving children and young people’s mental health services in England, particularly for minority or vulnerable groups.
It is based on the views of 49 professionals working with children and young people, primarily from the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE) who responded to an online survey in autumn 2016.
NCB were funded by the Department of Health, NHS England and Public Health England to gather information from the sector on what needs to happen for the Government’s vision for improved mental health services to be realised for all children, particularly those who are vulnerable, have poorly understood needs, or who face particular challenges accessing the support they need. The information was primarily gathered via an online survey.
The report shares concerns raised by the sector about the system not meeting demand. This relates not just to waiting lists but the amount of time services are able to dedicate to each service user. We also heard concerns that not all commissioners are playing their part in making improvements. This included doubts about whether local commissioners were spending money allocated by the Government for children's mental health as intended, and whether they were developing transformation plans and service specifications in a way that would deliver improvements.