Children are at risk of becoming a "forgotten generation" amid crippling NHS waits and rising demand.
A report by NHS Providers today warns over eight in ten - 82% - of Trusts are unable to meet the demand for children and young people's services. Nearly all (97%) of Trusts surveyed said the current level of demand they are experiencing has increased compared to the pre-pandemic period.
The report notes 5.3million children and young people were in contact with mental health services in 2023/24 - up 8.1% on 2022/23 and 25.7% on 2021/22.The Trusts provide a range of essential services, including hearing tests, ADHD and autism services, and speech and language therapies.
One Trust even reported that waiting time for children's autism assessments had gone up from 14 months before the pandemic to a staggering 38 months.
Be the first with news from Mirror Politics
WHATSAPP GROUP: Be first to get the biggest bombshells and breaking news by joining our Politics WhatsApp group here.
NEWSLETTER: Or sign up here to the Mirror's Politics newsletter for all the best exclusives and opinions straight to your inbox.
PODCAST: And listen to our exciting new political podcast The Division Bell, hosted by Mirror political editor John Stevens and Express political editor Sam Lister, every Tuesday and Thursday.
Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive of NHS Providers, said: "We're in danger of seeing a forgotten generation of young people. Too many young lives are being blighted by delays to accessing vital NHS care. Long waits for services have far-reaching implications for a child's social development, school readiness and educational attainment."
He added: "Our survey shows NHS leaders are committed to providing safe and timely care for children and young people but they need the right support. That means a cast-iron commitment from the new Government and NHS England that the physical and mental health of children and young people will be a priority, with the right amount and mix of NHS staff to give them the care they need.
"Trusts are ready to play their part in making things better for children and young people. It will require concerted, joined-up working between trusts, Government, NHS England and local partners including councils, schools and the voluntary sector."
A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “It is unacceptable that too many children and young people are not receiving the care they deserve, and we know that waits for services are far too long. We are determined to change that.
“The government is committed to giving children a healthy, happy start to life, and giving mental health the same attention and focus as physical health. We will provide specialist mental health support in every school and walk-in mental health hubs in every community.”