Scrutiny questions Minister on mental health services for children and young people
29 June 2023
The Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel questioned the Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Inna Gardiner, in a Quarterly Public Hearing on Wednesday 27 June.
The Panel questioned the Minister about the new neurodiversity pathway within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS). The Panel heard that the number of referrals to CAHMS for diagnoses, particularly for ADHD and autism, is currently very high, with 710 total referrals having been made to CAHMS between January and May this year. The Minister stated that whilst there is increasing capacity for ADHD and autism assessments, with six additional members of staff due to complete training in 2023, there is currently a waiting period of 30 weeks for diagnostic assessments. The Panel was also notified that there are plans to bolster the early intervention services within CAHMS to offer 24-hour cover for emergencies.
Following queries submitted by members of the public, the Panel questioned the Minister on student funding for Higher Education, including the Grants and Allowances Order signed by the Minister last week. It was suggested that further clarity was required from Government on some of the changes, for example, around the classification of the new London component and providing translation of the information into European Portuguese on the gov.je website. The Minister confirmed a delay in higher education students receiving notification letters but advised that further public communications would be issued to clarify information and timelines relating to financial support.
The Panel questioned the Minister on how an additional £288,000 of funding which was allocated to the Nursery Education Fund has been spent by nurseries. The Panel heard that this money is being absorbed due to cost-of-living pressures and increasing costs, including a 96% rise in insurance costs, a 26% rise in food costs, and a 45-63% rise in cleaning costs.
The Panel was also informed that:
- Progress on the replacement of Rouge Bouillon school is being impacted by the inquiry into development around the Waterfront.
- Pilot schemes which are being developed to make schools into more of a 'community hub'.
- Efforts to employ fewer agency workers and more permanent staff in Children's Services are 'going in the right direction', with an increase of 18% of permanent staff recorded in March 2023 in comparison to January 2023, meaning that 36% of roles are now being filled by agency workers.
Deputy Catherine Curtis, Chair of the Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel commented: "The Panel was interested to hear about the work being done around the neurodiversity pathway within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Whilst the significant increase in referrals has increased wait times for appointments, this also reflects that we are all becoming more aware of the diverse needs of young people. The Panel was pleased to learn about the plans to provide 24-hour emergency provision to support the mental health of children and young people and is keen to hear an update on this in due course."
A full recording of the hearing can be accessed here.
