John Farrelly

The development of CAMHS standards will support greater quality and consistency in how care and treatment are delivered in inpatient and community CAMHS services across the country, the MHC says.

When the Mental Health Bill 2024, which is currently working its way through the Oireachtas, is commenced, the MHC’s regulatory function will be expanded to include all community mental health residences and services, including all community CAMHS.

The MHC expects to publish draft standards ahead of further consultation in mid-2026.

John Farrelly, chief executive of the Mental Health Commission, said: “The reforms in the new bill aim to modernise mental health services, ensuring that children and young people receive high-quality care that upholds and respects their human rights.

“The development of standards by the MHC represents an important step toward ensuring that all children and young people across Ireland have access to safe, effective, and evidence-based mental health services.”

Gary Kiernan, director of regulation at the Mental Health Commission, added: “The MHC aims to develop standards that are person-centred, holistic, multidisciplinary, and recovery-oriented.

“These standards are being developed in consultation with an expert advisory group and a broad range of stakeholders, including individuals who have used CAMHS services, families, advocates, and staff working in mental health services.

“We would like to hear from everyone as part of this consultation, but we are especially keen to hear directly from persons who have direct experience of the services provided by CAMHS.

“We want to hear from the service users, their families, and advocates. Their voices and lived experiences are central to shaping services that truly reflect what matters to children and young people.

“We are also interested in hearing from carers, professionals working in mental health services, relevant organisations and other members of the public.”

The consultation will run until 5pm on Friday 28 November 2025.