OCO Submission to the MHC Consultation on the Development of National Standards for CAMHS

OCO Submission to the MHC Consultation on the Development of National Standards for CAMHS

We have prepared this submission pursuant to section 7(1)(b) of the 2002 Act, which provides for
the Ombudsman for Children to encourage public bodies, schools and voluntary hospitals to develop
policies, practices and procedures designed to promote the rights and welfare of children.
We welcome the development of the State’s first National Standards for Child and Adolescent
Mental Health Services (CAMHS) (National Standards), the stated intent of the standards
representing an important step toward ensuring that children and young people across Ireland have
access to safe, effective, and evidence-based mental health services. We also welcome the stated
aim of the Mental Health Commission (MHC) to develop standards that are person-centred, holistic,
multidisciplinary, and recovery oriented. As part of this work, we are of the view that the MHC must
consider how it intends to monitor the implementation of the new National Standards.
The purpose of this submission is to highlight the measures the OCO considers necessary to ensure
that children and children’s rights are central to the development of the new National Standards.

• December 2025