Take my hand: young people's experiences of mental health services

1. “Take My Hand”
Young People’s Experiences of
Mental Health Services
PSI Conference 2018
Clayton Whites Hotel, Wexford
8 November 2018
Naomi Kennan &
Dr. Niall Muldoon

2. Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO)
Independent statutory body
Ombudsman for Children Act, 2002
Presidential appointment
Direct accountability to the Oireachtas
Statutory functions:
1. Examining and investigating complaints
2. Promoting children’s rights and welfare

3. Young
people
To hear &
highlight their
views
To directly
engage with
them
To support
them to
identify
reforms
To pursue the
progressive
realisation of
their rights
“Take My Hand” report - Why?
“Users of mental health services
should be empowered to
participate meaningfully in the
design, implementation, delivery
and evaluation of mental health
services, systems and policies”
UN Special Rapporteur

4. Framework for children’s mental health services in Ireland
• UNCRC & other international children’s rights standards
• Legislation: the Mental Health Act 2001 & recent amendments
• Public policy: A Vision for Change, National Youth Mental Health Taskforce,
Youth Mental Health Pathfinder project, Joint Oireachtas Committees etc.
Relevant data
6,811 waiting for community-based psychology appointment (July 2017)
• 2,186 waiting more than 12 months
2,419 waiting to see CAMHS (December 2017)
• 1,257 waiting more than 12 weeks
• 317 waiting more than 12 months
226 children admitted to CAMHS inpatient units (2017)
• 72 CAMHS inpatient beds available (December 2017)
• 11 beds in Linn Dara closed for 6 months
81 children admitted to adult inpatient units (2017)
Context for the consultation

5. Initial planning of consultation
• Information-sharing sessions in units
• Obtaining voluntary, written assent from young people
• Obtaining voluntary, written consent from parents/guardians
Methodology
• 25 participating young people, aged 14-17
• 3 questions: What helped? What was challenging? What changes would you
like to see made?
• Supporting the use of different methods to express views:
• Painting, collage
• Photography
• Mind maps
• Semi-structured interviews
“Take My Hand” report – How?

7. What young people find helpful?
• Positive relationships with professionals, family & peers
• Accessing diagnosis, treatment & support
• Self-development
What young people find challenging?
• Difficult relationships with professionals, family & friends
• Accessing appropriate services in a timely manner
• Restrictions & stressors
Findings

8. Young people’s recommendations for change
• Awareness, education and support in schools
• Physical health assessment
• Inpatient programmes
• Consistency of services
• Professional attitudes
• Being heard
• Autonomy
• Social and physical environment
Findings
Doctors – “Be less
forward & speak to
you in simpler words”
“Focus on peer
support”
School – “more
supports available”
“More funding for
CAMHS”

9. Bringing the young people’s views to the:
Oireachtas Committee on the Future of Mental Health Care
Oversight Group for the Review of ‘A Vision for Change’
Department of Health
Political representatives, statutory bodies & civil society
organisations
Psychological Society of Ireland
European Network of Ombudspersons for Children
Next steps…

10. Any questions?