The South Eastern Health Board and the Psychology Department of UCD are undertaking a major research programme focusing on the mental health needs of children.   The research is being undertaken in response to a recent report by Amnesty International “Mental Illness the Neglected Quarter – Children”.  The report was critical of the “lack of data on the mental health needs of Irish children and the quality of information and support for children, parents and teachers in identifying mental health problems.”

This study hopes to address some of these gaps and will be the biggest study of its kind ever to take place in Ireland . The information gathered will be used to develop strategies and services to meet the needs that are identified and will improve future service delivery.

As part of this study we hope to screen every child by survey in the town of Clonmel (approximately 5,000).  The SEHB / UCD project team will send Behaviour Checklists to  each child’s home through local pre-schools, schools and public health nurse registers.  Ms. Maeve Martin, Senior Psychologist says, “This is a very exciting and innovative research project and we are urging all parents to return the checklist to the data collector.  The more responses we get back, the clearer picture we will have of the true nature of the emotional and behavioural problems of our children and the better chance we have of planning and developing a quality mental health service for our young people.”

This partnership approach to research with the Psychology Department of UCD will enable the South Eastern Health Board to develop a clearer understanding of the mental health needs of children and  will help us to develop the appropriate services to meet those needs based on evidence and best practice  The research programme will commence end of  September.