Study Reveals Gap In Health Needs

Sixteen- and 17-year-olds are not having their mental health needs met, according to the latest mapping study. Findings from the Summary of National Trends 2005, produced by Durham University for the Department of Health and the Department for Education and Skills, revealed that only 17 per cent of councils have fully comprehensive child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) provision for 16- and 17-year-olds across their council area.

Devon and Somerset spent the least on CAMHS per child and North Central London the most.

The study showed an increase in the number of CAMHS teams for looked-after young people and for young offenders.

Panos Vostanis, professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Leicester, said: “Spending for 16- and 17-year-olds is so low that it is almost non-existent. But there have been improvements.”