PARENTS’ PETITION HITS 1400
Campaign to improve mental health services for children gathers support
An online petition organised by parents unhappy with mental health services for their children has reached more than 1400 signatures.
Campaign group CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) Forth Valley Parent Voices say recent statistics showing more children are being treated by the service are masking the true picture.
They claim many of those children who are being seen are being discharged before being properly assessed and diagnosed.
A facebook page for the campaign’s parents has 99 members and a petition seeking a review of the service at petition site 38Degrees has 1407 names.
One mum, Eileen Martin from Cowie, told the Observer: “A lot of parents are saying their children are either being seen and just dismissed or are being handed medication before they can be properly assessed to find out if it is the appropriate route for them or not and sent away before any other therapies or interventions are tried.
“While they might say more children are being seen, it doesn’t always mean they are actually being given appropriate treatments.”
“We can appreciate the service is no doubt under pressure to get the figures down but our children are in desperate need of the right help and support.
“We don’t want to just criticise them, we want to be able to work with them but they have to listen to us. Parents are even worried about being seen to speak out because they are afraid it will make things even worse.
“Having a child with mental health difficulties can be very isolating and it is made worse by people being judgmental. When you feel your worries are not being taken seriously by people who you hope are going to help you it is even more devastating.
“We are desperate. If anything good has come of all this it is that we mums are now giving each other strength and support.”
A group of the mums from the campaign — some in tears — recently went to the Scottish Parliament and told Mental Health Minister Maureen Watt of their struggles to get help for their children.
One said: “Some of the professionals within this service point the finger at parenting issues or attachment issues rather than taking the time to assess these children and properly diagnose and offer appropriate support given.
“Lack of communication with parents is also at the front of this fight. A lot of parents have to chase up appointments, referrals and meetings.
“We need answers and a full audit and review of this service and professionals within it.”