NHS To Make Changes After Survey Finds Parents Feel Children Get Insufficient Support

Parents of children with mental health problems in England will get more say on their care, the NHS announced today.

The changes follow a survey by charity Young Minds that found two thirds of parents believed they did not get enough support, and one quarter had to wait more than a year for treatment for their child.

NHS England called the results of the survey a "wake-up call", and will work with Young Minds to improve parental involvement in the development of psychiatric services.

Young Minds chief executive Sarah Brennan said of the research: "Parents who have used children's mental health services often have to battle to get the support their children need.

"Our research also shows how parents often feel alienated from their child's treatment and are frustrated at the lack of resources available to support young people with mental health problems."

We can help you to claim compensation for clinical negligence if a serious injury or fatality has occurred as a result of inadequate supervision and care. See our Mental Health Negligence Compensation page for more information.

Expert Opinion

As a firm we have witnessed the difficulties that families can encounter when there is inadequate support for a child in the family. This is never more so than with children who need access to mental health care. <br/> <br/>"The pressure this puts on the whole family is terrible and so we absolutely welcome this announcement and hope that there will be a commitment from the NHS to deliver on the promise." Lisa Jordan - Partner