BASW England response to mental health services inquiry

BASW England welcomes the Public Account Committee’s inquiry into mental health services for children and young people. 

As an association we have highlighted the inadequate and constant shortfalls in  the mental health system that let children, young people and their families down and which hinder social workers from providing the high-quality support and expertise  that they are trained to give.

These shortfalls are complex and inter-relate with a lack of financial investment by Government in mental health services for children and young people, in a climate of ever-increasing demand.

An increase in access thresholds to services and post code lottery has also had a direct impact on the experience of children and young people resulting in failure to establish a comprehensive equitable, inclusive system based on need.

BASW England's key messages in our response can be viewed here.