Mental health support for abused children 'inadequate' says charity

The NSPCC has analysed NHS plans that outline how it will care for children's mental health and has given the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Board an 'amber warning' for the second year running. 

This means that more than 19,000 children in Oxfordshire who have been abused or neglected may not have adequate plans in place for their mental health needs.

Research shows that adults who have suffered abuse in childhood are twice as likely to develop clinical depression and early support is seen as key to minimising the long-term impact of mental health issues.

In 36 per cent of Childline counselling sessions where abuse was the main concern, the young person also discussed their mental and emotional health, suicidal feelings or self-harm, the charity said. 

Across England 88 per cent of CCGs were found to be failing to properly plan for the needs of vulnerable children.

Each of the 195 CCGs in England were given a traffic light rating with 146 rated amber and 21 rated red. 

Many CCGs, like Oxfordshire, were found to have stagnated with no apparent improvements in planning for the mental health needs of abused children. 

The NSPCC is calling on all NHS CCGs to urgently recognise and plan for the increased mental health needs of children who have been abused.

Almudena Lara, NSPCC’s head of policy and public affairs, said: “We recognise the hard work of NHS staff providing much-needed mental health services to young people. These ratings are not a reflection on those services and the staff working to deliver them. 

“But our analysis shows that there are CCGs across the England that are still not properly planning for the mental health needs of abused children and young people. It is crucial these children are supported to get back on track and lead healthy lives.

“In future we want to see more CCGs not only recognise the needs of these children, but go further and ensure services are there to support them.”