Investigation finds over 100,000 children not receiving help needed

Action for Children, a UK based charity, has uncovered ‘huge cracks’ in the child protection services and mental health care provisions offered across the United Kingdom.

Following the investigation of children from 141 different local authorities in England, the report highlights the black hole lurking between needs which may be too great for schools but fall short of eligibility for additional support.

The investigation allowed Action for Children to estimate approximately 140,000 children are currently stuck in a ‘revolving door’ of child protection services, many of whom are suffering from serious mental health problems.

Alarmingly, several recent reports have shown that 70% of children and young people who experience a mental health problem have not yet had appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age.

Action for Children, as well as a handful of other charities in the UK, have begun putting pressure on the government to strengthen the current services provided by local authorities, in the hope of ensuring there is more emphasis placed upon tackling the increasing levels of mental health problems and suicides among young people.

Hannah Bottomley, clinical negligence solicitor at Potter Rees Dolan, said:

Access to appropriate mental health services is so important for all ages but arguably even more important for children and young people to enable them to receive appropriate treatment before an escalation of any problems.

This report is shocking in showing the lack of support available and I hope that by highlighting this issue action can be taken to ensure those in need of help and treatment are able to access it in the future.

I see all too often the affect delays in providing appropriate treatment can have and it is no different when the treatment is in respect of mental rather than physical health. Timely and appropriate interventions are vital for the health and well-being of all children and young people effected.

Despite eventually finding relief from children’s centre charities, there are an alarming number of parents, particularly young ones, who experience a long period of difficulty trying to find the correct facilities and provisions for their child.

One of the conclusions of the report was that no matter what age the child is, living in a hostile environment is likely to hugely increase the risk of mental health issues. It seems clear to us here at Potter Rees Dolan that specialist intervention and ensuring individuals are not simply forgotten about is vital.

Hannah Bottomley is a clinical negligence solicitor with Potter Rees Dolan. Should you have any queries about the issues raised in this article and wish to speak with Hannah or any other member of the team please contact us on 0161 237 5888.