Policy Hub
On 4 August 2009, the Department of Health (DH) and the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) published a guide which seeks to support those providing and commissioning child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in their efforts to reduce waiting times for children, young people and families.
The guide explains the rules underpinning the 18 weeks referral to treatment target and demonstrates how these rules apply to non-emergency consultant-led CAMHS services and pathways.
In addition, it stresses that when improving the quality of CAMHS, children, young people and their families need clearly signposted routes and timely access to specialist help plus an ‘open door’ into a system of joined-up support.
The guide does not set any new standards or targets but shows how accessible low wait CAMHS can be achieved, providing a number of examples of good practice.
Improving access to child and adolescent mental health services