As a manager or frontline staff member in Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CAMHS), you are acutely aware of the pressures to deliver high-quality care while adhering to a complex web of regulations. The landscape of CAMHS is continually evolving, with recent legislative changes and policy updates shaping the way services are provided.
Recent Legislative Developments
In October 2023, the Online Safety Act 2023 received Royal Assent, introducing new duties for online platforms to protect children from harmful content. While this primarily targets digital platforms, its implications for CAMHS are significant, particularly concerning the mental health impacts of online environments on young people. (en.wikipedia.org)
Additionally, in May 2025, a coalition of leading universities and expert organisations, including UCL and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaborations (NIHR ARCs), released 20 evidence-informed recommendations aimed at improving mental health support for children in care. These guidelines emphasise the need for integrated service delivery and workforce development, areas directly relevant to CAMHS providers. (ucl.ac.uk)
Regulatory Compliance Challenges
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) continues to monitor CAMHS closely, highlighting concerns such as the placement of children in inappropriate settings due to a lack of specialist beds. The CQC’s 2023/24 report underscores the risks associated with these placements, including potential harm to young patients and the strain on emergency services. (cqc.org.uk)
Furthermore, the Health and Social Care (Wales) Act 2025, which received Royal Assent on 24 March 2025, introduces reforms to health and social care in Wales. Notably, it bans profit-making from children’s care services, affecting providers of fostering, children’s homes, and secure accommodation. While this legislation pertains to Wales, its principles may influence practices across the UK. (en.wikipedia.org)
Integrating Policy Now for Streamlined Compliance
In this dynamic regulatory environment, maintaining up-to-date policies and procedures is paramount. Policy Now offers a practical solution by centralising your organisation’s policies, ensuring they are accessible to all staff members, regardless of location. This centralisation not only facilitates compliance but also reduces the administrative burden on frontline staff, allowing them to focus more on patient care.
For multi-site organisations, Policy Now ensures consistency across all locations by providing a single source of truth for policies. This uniformity is crucial for meeting regulatory standards and delivering cohesive care. Additionally, Policy Now’s auditable records of policy access and review can be invaluable during CQC inspections, demonstrating your commitment to compliance and quality care.
Looking Ahead
The future of CAMHS regulation is likely to focus on integrated service delivery, workforce development, and the impact of digital environments on young people’s mental health. Staying informed about legislative changes and best practices will be essential. By leveraging tools like Policy Now, CAMHS providers can navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring they continue to meet the evolving needs of children and young people.
For more information on CAMHS regulations and best practices, consider exploring the following resources:
By staying informed and utilising effective policy management systems, CAMHS providers can ensure they meet regulatory requirements and deliver high-quality care to children and young people.
Find out how Policy Now can help your organisation →
