New standards for community mental health centres

The Mental Health Commission (MHC) is set to release new national standards for community residential mental health centres as part of preparations for the implementation of the Mental Health Act 2026. These standards, developed by the MHC, will formally regulate community mental health services, including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), for the first time.

MHC Chief Executive John Farrelly emphasized that the majority of individuals with mental health issues are not in inpatient centres but rather in community residences where they receive services. Research conducted by the MHC found that 26% of individuals in inpatient beds would be better served in community settings. With these standards in place, the MHC aims to register and inspect community mental health centres to ensure that services are provided appropriately and in a timely manner, aligning with the government's priority to bring necessary services closer to where people live.

Farrelly also highlighted that the Act addresses concerns related to failures in oversight, risk management, and staffing in CAMHS services. The MHC has been tasked with developing these CAMHS standards, which will be ready at the start of the new year. Farrelly stressed that these standards will serve as a benchmark for services, allowing both the public and service providers to understand what constitutes a high-quality service.