Written Question · S7W-01701 · Session 7
What action it will take to ensure that all CAMHS referrals are assessed, handled and prioritised appropriately, in light of reports that, …
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to ensure that all CAMHS referrals are assessed, handled and prioritised appropriately, in light of reports that, in 2025-26, CAMHS received an estimated 34,200 referrals for child mental health support, while around 15,200 commenced treatment during the same period.
The answer
CAMHS is a specialist service for children and young people with acute mental health needs, and referrals are based on clinical judgement.Our CAMHS Service specification, published in 2020, highlights that all children and young people should receive support that is appropriate to their individual needs. For many children and young people, such support is likely to be community based, and should be easily and quickly accessible.Sustained improvements in CAMHS performance mean that the national 18-week standard has been met for over a year. 91% of children and young people start treatment within 18 weeks of referral, with one in two beginning treatment within six weeks.We are working with Health Boards to ensure that there is compliance with the specification and that they are delivering timely access to appropriate support for children, young people and their families.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S7W-01701 by reference.