A public consultation to help inform the development of national standards for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) has been launched by the Mental Health Commission.
The development of CAMHS standards - the first in the history of the State - aims to support greater quality and consistency in how care and treatment are delivered in inpatient and community CAMHS services.
Once the Mental Health Bill 2024 is commenced, the regulatory function of the MHC will be expanded to include all community mental health residences and services, including all community CAMHS.
The Bill is currently making its way through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The consultation is the first stage of a process designed to develop "robust, evidence-based standards" that reflect the needs and expectations of children, young people, families and professionals, according to the MHC.
Draft standards are expected ahead of further consultation in mid-2026.
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, according to Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission John Farrelly.
"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.
The MHC has expressed a desire to hear from everyone as part of the consultation, however, its Director of Regulation Gary Kiernan has said it is "especially keen" to hear from people who have direct experience of the services provided by CAMHS.
"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," Mr Kiernan added.
To ensure that as many voices as possible are heard, the consultation will be promoted widely through a coordinated national and regional media campaign.
