Report calls for overhaul amid shocking surge in child mental health issues

A major review into child mental health services has made 94 recommendations to overhaul services, amid a shocking surge in the number of kids in distress.

A major review into child mental health services has made an extraordinary 94 recommendations to overhaul services.

It follows complaints from parents about a system under stress, and revelations by The Advertiser that in 2021 desperate children in mental distress sought help at Adelaide emergency departments almost 4500 times – or 12 times a day.

Presentations have risen steadily from about 2000 – or at least five a day – a decade ago.

SA Health data also reveals primary school-aged children are among a growing number being admitted to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital’s psychiatric ward.

The statewide review into the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) will guide development of future service delivery.

Presentations of children in mental health distress at EDs have risen steadily over the past decade. Picture: iStock

CAMHS provides mental health services, including assessment and treating severe and complex mental health for children and adolescents across the state.

The Office of the Chief Psychiatrist, in partnership with the Women’s and Children’s Health Network, undertook an independent external review initiated in early 2022 to guide its strategic direction.

Its report has 94 recommendations to improve the broad access to mental health services, relating to 10 priority areas.

Of these, 45 recommendations have been accepted, and 49 are supported in principle.

Officials say the progressive appointment of five additional child psychiatrists and 10 psychologists over the next few years will enable improved access to services, clinical governance and capacity across public services.

In addition, more nurses to boost mental health care for children have been recruited.

The 2024-25 state budget also saw an investment of $5m towards youth mental health.

This includes an expansion of the child and adolescent virtual care service at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital to cover mental health concerns, funding for workshops to support parents with children or teens with mental illness, and an investment in Eating Disorders Families Australia to support those with eating disorders.

Chief Psychiatrist Dr John Brayley said the report will guide future plans for best practice services over the next decade.

“The report focuses on developing specialist services, responding to the increase in needs post Covid-19 pandemic, including the need for resources to meet this demand,” he said.

“The report requires developments of all aspects of the service from outpatient services, intensive community care, emergency department models, inpatient services and the development of virtual care and digital models.

“The work of CAMHS clinicians in developing new service models for responding to urgent care, using technology, and deploying additional staff and emergency services is acknowledged.

“This work will be part of the broader vision of a changed and expanded CAMHS service over coming years.”

Rebecca Graham, Women's and Children's Health Network chief executive. Picture: Supplied.

Women’s and Children’s Health Network chief executive Rebecca Graham welcomed the report.

“The report highlights the incredible work being done to support the delivery of high quality person-centred mental health care for children, young people, and their families across South Australia, considering the intensity of need, complexity, and demand, with limited resources,” she said.

Originally published as Report calls for overhaul amid shocking surge in child mental health issues