Don’t Leave Them Behind: It Is Time to Replace CAMHS
The latest reports of children experiencing suicidal thoughts being turned away from CAMHS should be a wake-up call for the Government and the HSE.
Across Ireland, parents and families are facing unimaginable stress as they struggle to access mental health services for their children. Too many families report long waiting lists, rejected referrals, poor communication, and a system that appears unable to respond when children are at their most vulnerable.
For years, concerns about CAMHS have been raised by parents, advocacy groups, public representatives, and independent reviews. Despite repeated promises of reform, many families continue to experience the same difficulties when seeking support for children in crisis.
At Don’t Leave Them Behind, we believe the time has come to replace the current CAMHS structure with a new, modern Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service that is properly resourced, fully accountable, transparent, and focused on the needs of children and families.
When a child is experiencing severe mental distress or suicidal thoughts, access to specialist support should be immediate. No family should be left navigating a maze of referrals, assessments, and waiting lists while their child struggles.
A new service must deliver early intervention, clear pathways to care, rapid access to specialist support, and meaningful engagement with families. It must be designed around the needs of children rather than the limitations of the system.
Ireland’s children deserve better.
The current model has failed too many families for too long. It is time for decisive action, meaningful reform, and a complete replacement of a system that no longer commands the confidence of those it is supposed to serve.
Every child matters. Every family matters.
Replace CAMHS. Build a service that works.
Don’t Leave Them Behind
Because no child should ever be left behind when they ask for help.