Youngsters develop more serious mental health concerns due to long waiting times in Hillingdon, report says

Waiting times for young people needing mental health care are "too long" in Hillingdon , a report has held.

The report, by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC), highlighted that some children and young people have to wait up to four months for an assessment and a further ten months for treatement.

Whilst inspectors found praise for Hillingdon Council in some areas, it said the waiting times for treatment results in mental health needs not being addressed and may become more serious.

Services for children with special educational needs were praised.

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The inspection, carried out between November 28 and December 2 last year, found that Hillingdon leaders are “dedicated” to developing joint services and run a wide range of support for parents and carers.

The report says: "Waiting times for CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health services) are too long.

"This means that more children and young people develop serious mental health concerns than should be the case.

"Leaders are aware of this and are reviewing the way this service is delivered.

"The new CAMHS service for those who have learning disabilities is proving to be effective."

Among the main findings, the report had praise which included: “Leaders in the local area are dedicated to developing strong joint working practices that result in improved outcomes for all groups of children and young people who have special educational needs and or/disabilites.

"A coherent plan to improve services further in response to local need is in place.

“There is a wide range of support groups for parents and carers run by voluntary groups and charities.

“Academic outcomes for children and young people in the local area are positive.”

Cllr David Simmonds (Image: Mirror Screen Grab)

Inspectors spoke with children and young people who have special needs or disabilities, parents and carers, council representatives and NHS officers.

The report also states leaders have been highly effective in gathering the views of parents and carers, children and young people about the local offer through consultations with groups

Cabinet member for children's services at Hillingdon Council, Councillor David Simmonds, said: “We are delighted that the recent Ofsted/CQC inspection has highlighted Hillingdon's joined-up approach to safeguarding the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and we are pleased that parent and carer involvement and satisfaction has been recognised.”

Cllr Simmonds added that the council would be taking on board the recommendations made by inspectors and that plans are under way.

Cllr Simmonds said: “We fully take on board the recommendations to improve the service we deliver, and plans for many of the suggested improvements are already under way.

“We would like to thank everyone who took part in the inspection, and we look forward to continuing to work together with our partners to improve outcomes for children and young people across the borough.”

Inspectors also praised “creative solutions” to overcome transport difficulties, including the independent travel training programme and personal travel budgets.

However, no mention was made of the home-to-school bus services for disabled people which is being reduced from February 20.

Parents at some special schools in the borough will not be forced to take their children to group meeting points, rather than the door-to-door service currently provided.