Long waits for neurodivergent assessments are plaguing Croydon's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), according to a recent scrutiny sub-committee meeting.
Croydon Council's Scrutiny Children & Young People Sub-Committee heard that while CAMHS services are largely managed by NHS England and Public Health, the primary struggle for the Youth Justice Service is accessing timely neurodivergent assessments.
Elaine Jones, a co-opted member of the sub-committee, raised concerns about the lengthy waiting lists for CAMHS services, a point that has been consistently raised over several years. Emma Carter, Service Manager of the local Youth Justice Service, explained that while her team can access alternative counselling services for basic emotional wellbeing needs, the main difficulty lies with neurodivergent assessments.
Carter stated that the Youth Justice Service attempts to contain children's needs while they are on waiting lists, utilising the clinical team within their department and local counselling services. They also have access to a psychologist and a mental health practitioner to support children during these waiting periods.
However, the issue of long waiting lists for neurodivergent assessments remains a significant challenge, impacting the support available to young people within the youth justice system. The sub-committee noted this ongoing concern and its implications for the timely provision of essential services.