your report (february 4) on the rise in mental health problems among children was an incredibly important insight into the challenges they face. But for children and young people who have been under guardianship, the situation is even more serious.
Children in care are already at a significantly higher risk of experiencing mental health problems than their peers. Despite the fact that there are only 67 children in care for every 10,000, these people represent 24% of the prison population and 25% of the homeless population in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, as stated in a recent report by the Campaign for Children’s Rights hope instead of handcuffs, youth who have spent time in care are significantly more likely than their peers to be classified as not in education, employment or training.
We have yet to fully see how these statistics will be affected by the pandemic. But for “care-experienced” children, who often don’t have the same support networks as their peers, the months of isolation have likely taken a heavy toll. Any policy to improve mental health among young people must provide specific provision for those in care. We cannot continue to allow them to slip under the radar and have worse outcomes in life just because they have spent time in care.
sara champion
Labor MP, Rotherham
Their report highlights the worrying effects of the Covid lockdowns. But it is also a symptom of 12 years of underfunding for child and adolescent mental health services (Camhs), which have been overwhelmed for many years. This leads to crisis management for life-threatening situations and leaves many children with worsening symptoms without support.
Domestic violence and parental mental illness play an important role in the emotional suffering of children. These factors will only increase as the cost-of-living crisis, cuts to universal credit, and higher energy bills put more pressure on struggling and vulnerable families. The government must provide more financial and social support to families if it is serious about protecting children and young people.
steven walker
Former Camhs Leader, Anglia Ruskin University
