A call for change: Tackling inequalities in access to mental health support for children with social work involvement and those living in poverty

Mannes, Julia, Coughlan, Barry, Yoon, Yeosun and et al., - (2024) A call for change: Tackling inequalities in access to mental health support for children with social work involvement and those living in poverty. Project Report. National Children's Bureau/University of Cambridge.

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Abstract

Studies have shown an increase in mental health distress, such as self-harm and suicide, for children with more social work involvement and nearly half of children in care are thought to have a mental health difficulty.

Evidence from various studies, including our own, has also shown that children with social work involvement have distinct needs that cut across classic diagnostic divisions and service boundaries. The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care highlighted that the current CAMHS provisions “that are available are not tailored to the needs of young people” with social work involvement, resulting in unmet and escalating need these young people.

Our case note analyses, practitioner engagement sessions, and clinician interviews have found that CAMHS may require young people to be in a “stable place” to receive therapeutic support. Factors deemed to impact a young person’s stability include poor parental mental health, open safeguarding cases, recent traumatic events, and financial constraints that limit their ability to attend CAMHS appointments. However, empirical evidence does not support the necessity of stability for effective therapy. What evidence exists suggests that some treatments can be effective even in the presence of ‘instability’ and following recent traumatic events.

It is also unjust to exclude children from mental health support if their family situation never becomes stable. Given that children and young people with social work involvement for current concerns or those living in poverty are more likely to face these challenges, which are often not easily resolved, such requirements may produce inequities in access for these young people.

Item Type:	Monograph (Project Report)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman > Children R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health H Social Sciences > Economics > Wealth > Poverty K Law > KDK Republic of Ireland > Social legislation > Public welfare. Public assistance. Poor laws > Social work. Social workers. Social services
Divisions:	School of Business (- 2025) > Staff Research and Publications
Depositing User:	Tamara Malone
Date Deposited:	25 Feb 2026 15:08
Last Modified:	27 Feb 2026 10:24
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/9160

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