BASW England responds to new study of children’s mental ill-health

Today’s research from the Education Policy Institute – Access to children and young people’s mental health services (2018) – shows that the Government must reverse deepening poverty levels which are driving an increase in children and young people suffering ill mental health.

This study is the latest piece of evidence that shows the strong link between disadvantage, vulnerable children experiencing poverty and contact with social services and mental health agencies.

BASW England supports the call from the Education Policy Institute for a concerted child poverty reduction strategy and to invest in high quality early intervention services in all areas.

The report rightly emphasises at many points the devastating impact of losing early preventative services. This of course can be evidenced by the closure of hundreds of children’s centres, but is also evidenced by the massive cuts to youth services particularly in the context of concerns about rising youth violence and child sexual exploitation.

BASW continues to campaign against cuts to early help and other targeted services and stands by other key stakeholders in urging the Government to refocus on early prevention – for if the cuts to these services are not reversed or addressed we will not meet the needs of children and young people at the right time.