James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We all share the Deputy's concerns that children might fall through the cracks and we must guard against that when we have so many people involved in their care and well being. In September 2012, access protocols for CAMHS services were approved by the HSE, with effect from 1 January 2013.

The protocol reiterates the position of children accessing services in line with the Mental Health Commission's protocols, including children being referred for the first time to the mental health service from outside their geographic area. In effect, all children requiring secondary care mental health services are seen on the basis of clinical requirement. Children in care are provided with child and adolescent mental health services on the same basis as all other children in the population. A comprehensive protocol has been developed between the HSE and the Child and Family Agency to ensure the needs of children in the care of the State are met when it comes to accessing health services, including mental health services. This reinforces the position that child and adolescent mental health services are available to children in the care of the State in the same way as they are available to any other child with a mental illness. Basically, it is prioritised on the basis of need. This protocol is at an advanced stage of discussion pending agreement.

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