Concerns raised over transition between CAMHS to mainstream support in Donegal

Concerns have been raised over the transition of people in Donegal from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to mainstream mental health support.

Councillor Gerry McMonagle brought the issue to the latest Regional Health Forum West.

The Letterkenny-based Sinn Féin representative raised the case of a young adult male who had been in the CAMHS system and was “given good support”.

Since becoming an adult, Councillor McMonagle said, that support “has not been there”. He said the family of the person was not aware of any transitioning process or any signposting for such assistance.

Councillor McMonagle confirmed that he raised the concern with Dermot Monaghan, the Integrated Healthcare Area Manager for Donegal, but has not yet received a formal response.

While the HSE said that care programmes are signposted, Councillor McMonagle questioned how this information is passed to families.

Head of Service Primary Care, Mandy Doyle, said she would seek answers for Councillor McMonagle, both in relation to the young man in Donegal and more generally on the signposting of services.

Councillor McMonagle said: “We need to drill down a bit on this and we need to be sure. When people have suicide ideations, we need to ensure that they have continued support when they get to 18.”

In a written response to Councillor McMonagle’s query, the HSE said: “CAMHS services within Sligo Leitrim Mental Health Service (SLMHS) and Donegal Mental Health Service (DMHS) have a specific policy called the Transition of Care from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS).

This policy provides a clear framework to safeguard continuity of care, minimise disruption at a critical developmental stage, and ensure that only those with significant ongoing needs transition to adult services.

The "Transition to Adult Mental Health Services Policy" ensures that young people approaching their 18th birthday receive appropriate assessment and, where necessary, a structured handover from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS).

For SLMHS, this policy was last updated in April 2025 and sets out a planned, supported and structured transfer of care. For DMHS, this policy is currently being updated and will be aligned with the new National CAMHS clinical operating guidelines (COG).

It should be noted that not all young people in CAMHS will require transition or referral to Adult Mental Health Services upon reaching eighteen years of age. Where transfer of care is not clinically indicated, the young person will be directed or referred to appropriate community-based supports in accordance with their individual care needs.

J Fitzmaurice, Integrated Health Area Manager, Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal, West Cavan/Monaghan, Integrated Health Area Manager, Donegal