Commenting on the Government's response to the child and adolescent mental health green paper, Professor Tamsin Ford from the Royal College of Psychiatrists said:
“As experts working on the front line of children and young people’s mental health services, we’re delighted to see so many of our recommendations adopted by the Government. Young people struggling with their mental health, particularly in schools, may finally get the support they need.
“The newly formed Mental Health Support Teams in schools could make a real difference to children’s lives. It’s particularly good to see that funding will be allocated to provide supervision to these teams from qualified staff in NHS children’s mental health services.
“We still have some concerns however, namely that it is unclear how teachers will be supported with extra pressure, and that the time it will take to implement these plans will leave so many children without the care they need for at least another 10 years.
“We look forward to see the proposals implemented in full. While doubling the current children and young people’s mental health services workforce will be a challenge, it is also a huge opportunity for many professionals who may be interested in working in this incredibly rewarding area.”
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