Mental health services for young people often inadequate

Mental health services for young people in Scotland are often
inadequate and at best patchy, according to the annual report of
the Mental Welfare Commission to be published later today
(Tuesday).

The report will acknowledge general improvement in mental health
in Scotland particularly its status as one of the top three health
priorities of the Scottish executive. But services to young people
need urgent attention because they vary from excellent to
non-existent across the country.

Speaking in advance of the report’s publication, Malcolm
Chisholm, deputy minister for community care, said: “We recognise
this problem, as do many working in mental health services and
beyond.” Chisholm went on to list the executive’s investments in
mental health services. In particular, he pointed to plans to
integrate health, education and social care in the delivery of
children’s services as one example of efforts to address the
shortfalls identified by the Mental Welfare Commission.

www.scotland.gov.uk