A damning report on children's mental health services in North Kerry has left families devastated and demanding answers. The report, which was seen by the Irish Examiner, revealed that over 55% of the cases reviewed involved risks, with two children facing major risks, 195 cases involving moderate risks, and 12 children facing minor risks. The findings are particularly concerning as they indicate that more than half of the 374 children whose cases were active in November 2022 were affected in some way. The review also highlighted the high rates of polypharmacy, which is the prescribing of two or more psychotropic medications at the same time, as a major issue. Almost half of the children had a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of autism, and 94% of those children were prescribed psychotropic medication. The report also noted that children were prescribed the anti-convulsant medication Sodium Valproate, which should not be given to girls and women of child-bearing age unless they are carefully monitored under the HSE Prevent Programme. A State inquiry has been opened into the prescribing of this medication to pregnant women. Health officials have issued apologies to more than half of those affected, but families are still demanding answers and calling for immediate action. The North Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs) have been under review since 2023, and families are now receiving the full report. The findings have been described as 'shocking and upsetting' by solicitor Keith Rolls, who represents many of the families. 'The inappropriate treatment of vulnerable patients received was nothing short of disgraceful,' he said. Hannah Ní Ghiolla Mhairtín, from Families for Reform of Camhs, expressed her heartbreak and anger at the findings, emphasizing that these are not just figures on a page but our children who were already struggling and turned to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for help. Many children are still living with the impact, and no parent expects that seeking help could make things worse. Dr. Halpin also highlighted a lack of assessments, including of children's physical health, even though some of these medications can have detrimental physical effects. The review noted low rates of heart health checks, for example. The clinician responsible for these children's care is not currently practising medicine, it is understood. Dr. Halpin recommended changes to governance and resourcing to ensure the service is safe for all children referred to it. The HSE commissioned the review after an audit of files identified concerns following the similarly critical Maskey Review of Camhs in South Kerry.
