Child abuse and neglect: A major public health issue and the role of child and adolescent mental health services

Abstract

Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) make an important contribution to the assessment and treatment of abuse and neglect in children. However, the provision of services is patchy and we see the present political and economic environment as providing opportunities but also threats. In this editorial we examine some of the barriers to CAMHS involvement, emphasise the potential public health benefits of improving the service, and provide some examples of how CAMHS could develop its involvement in partnership with Social Services and the family courts.