Abused and neglected children need adequate therapeutic services

I am glad to see that the NSPCC continues to reveal the considerable shortfalls in the mental health services provided to abused and neglected children.

http://home.bt.com/news/uk-news/mental-health-time-bomb-warning-as-nhs-turns-children-away-11364010192309

The NSPCC has collated figures from 35 mental health trusts in England and estimates that about 1 in 6 of abused and neglected children referred for therapeutic services is rejected. 

The NSPCC’s chief executive, Peter Wanless, is absolutely correct in saying that children, who do not receive the right kind of help and support following abuse or neglect at the right time, will be more likely to suffer lifelong damage such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression or risk of suicide.

Penny-pinching on child and adolescent mental health services is a false economy. If children and young people receive the right kind of help at the right time, they will be less likely to require long-term mental health services as adults. They will be likely to be healthier and be more active participants in society throughout their lives.