Children’s mental health target met for first time in a decade

The Scottish Government has met its waiting time target for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for the first time since it set it more than a decade ago.

Data from Public Health Scotland showed that for the final quarter of 2024, more than 90 per cent of those who were referred for mental health care, received treatment within 18 weeks.

Overall, a total of 3,812 children and young people started treatment in the quarter to December 2024. This marked a 0.3 per cent increase from the 3,801 who started treatment in the previous quarter but almost a 16 per cent decrease compared to the same period the year before.  

More than half began treatment within four weeks, a decrease from six weeks in both the prior quarter and the same period in 2023.

Data showed a slight increase on those waiting for treatment standing at 4,362. A figure 3.1 per cent higher compared to the previous quarter but almost 21 per cent lower from the 5,517 waiting in the same quarter in 2023.  

Children First chief executive Mary Glasgow welcomed the progress, but noted “it shouldn’t deflect attention” from the ongoing mental health crisis.

She said: “Numbers of referrals to CAMHS have risen by almost a fifth and our teams across Scotland are seeing rapidly rising levels of worry and anxiety among the children and young people who come to us for support.

“The fact remains that children are often not getting support until they are in severe distress. This must stop.”

Glasgow urged the Scottish Government to “invest more in early help and support” to stop children from reaching “crisis point.” 

Reacting to the data, wellbeing minister Maree Todd said: “This continued progress is testament to the dedication of the staff who work so hard to help the children and young people they care for.

“We want everyone to get the support they need, when they need it. Clearly, reaching the national standard is encouraging but I know there is much more to be done if this is to be sustained and consistent across Scotland.

“However, we are on the right path and the £123m we have allocated to NHS Boards this year will mean the quality and delivery of all mental health services – including CAMHS - will continue to improve.”