Limited progress has been made on the Government’s commitment to end the admission of children to adult psychiatric units, with a policy review finding that long waiting lists for child and adolescent mental health services are negatively affecting children. There were 72 beds in four public child in-patient units, but only 51 were operational due to staffing shortages. Almost 4,000 children and young people were waiting for their first CAMHS appointment as of July 2023. The Government received a ‘D-‘ grade for slow progress on introducing a Public Health Obesity Act to examine the advertising of junk food to children. Children’s Rights Alliance CEO Tanya Ward emphasized the need for greater attention and urgency on commitments to children and young people from the Government.
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Government receives ‘E’ grade on children’s mental health
