‘Ticking Time Bomb’ in Children’s Mental Health Services, Warns Regulator

Treatment delays, staff shortages, and a lack of appropriate accommodation have made mental health services in England for children “a ticking time bomb,” the health regulator has warned. The Care and Quality Commission’s (CQC’s) report, “Monitoring the Mental Health Act in 2022/23,” published on Thursday warned that despite additional investment, rising demand means that children are facing “long waits” for mental health care. The CQC said that in November 2023, nearly half a million—496,897—children were waiting for or were undergoing mental health treatment, a record high. Chris Dzikiti, director of mental health at the CQC, said: “Half a million children are receiving or waiting for mental health care and are having to wait on average 40 days to access care, but often much longer – with many reporting a deterioration in their mental health while waiting and some attempting to take their own life....