Youth mental health taskforce must produce specific actions – Ombudsman for Children

“The establishment of a National Taskforce on Youth Mental Health is a very positive development and one that has the potential to drive real change in an area where it is very much needed.

“It is essential however, that this community-led group is focused on identifying clear actions in the area of mental health reform for children and young people, and that these actions are supported with the necessary resources to make them a reality,” said Dr Muldoon, whose background is in clinical psychology.

“I am very pleased to see that the Mental Health Taskforce is to take the form of a community-led group and very much encouraged that children and young people themselves will be closely involved. Having worked with a number of the members of the Mental Health Taskforce, I am confident that they have the experience and expertise necessary to make this project a success.”

Dr Muldoon added that his office’s Strategic Plan 2016-2018 has committed to raising awareness of the rights of children and young people in the area of mental health.

“I have requested a meeting with Minister McEntee where I intend to outline to her the work we are doing in this area, and to express our willingness to support the National Taskforce on Youth Mental Health, where we can.”