The emotional and mental health support available for children
and young people in Wales is the focus for a new National
Assembly Committee inquiry launching today (12 July).
The Children, Young People and Education Committee will look at
whether a programme to reform Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Services is on track to deliver the ‘step-change’ in services
that is needed.
Three years ago, a report from a previous Children, Young People
and Education Committee raised serious concerns about Child and
Adolescent Mental Health Services in Wales. At the same
time, the Welsh Government announced a ‘root and branch review’
to modernise services for the future.
The inquiry will look at how the multi-agency Together for
Children and Young People Programme is improving emotional and
mental health services. The inquiry will also examine how
effectively the Programme has been in improving the resilience of
children and young people through early intervention and
prevention work. It will also look at access to specialist
mental health services and how effectively they are supporting
children and young people.
AM, Chair of the Children,
Young People and Education Committee said:
“This inquiry will focus on whether children and young people are
getting the help that they need, as soon as they need
it.
“We will also be looking at how the support available in schools
and colleges is working and how the new curriculum will be used
to tackle poor mental health and improve emotional resilience in
children and young people.
“We hope to hear from children and young people who have used
these services, as well as parents, carers, mental health and
educational professionals and people who work with children in
care.
“When the new school term starts we will be launching
a targeted survey for use within schools. I want
to encourage everyone who can contribute to get in touch and
share your experiences with us.”
The consultation is open until Friday 29 September
2017.
