NEARLY a quarter of children referred to a special mental health service in Bolton have been rejected for treatment in the past two years.

Figures released by the NSPCC have revealed the number of referrals received by the town's services and the amount rejected for treatment between 2015 and this year.

Between 2015 and 2016, 492 cases to Bolton's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) were turned away out of 1,870 received.

From 2016 into this year, CAMHS has received 2,018 cases, turning away 445.

The NSPCC dubbed the national figures – which found more than 100,000 referred children rejected for treatment in the last two years – as 'desperately sad' and fears youngsters are at risk of being left in 'limbo'.

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust (FT) has been home to CAMHS since 2011, operating from the Royal Bolton Hospital.

A spokesman for the trust said: "Every referral that is made to Bolton’s CAMHS is assessed thoroughly, on the day it is received, before a decision is taken on next steps.

"The main reason for referrals being redirected is because preliminary steps have not been taken to seek support beforehand.

"We would never deflect an application for support for a child or young person who was experiencing problems with self-harm, trauma, anxiety or depression."

The service does not accept referrals for children with a neuro-developmental problem – such as ADHD and autism – until support has been offered through school, or for young people experiencing behavioural problems until the family has accessed support through Bolton Council.

It also also redirects a small number of referrals for children experiencing problems connected to bereavement or family breakdown.

The spokesperson added: "This does not fit our criteria for specialist support. Well established networks exist both in schools and in the community, both online and in youth groups, which are designed to support these children and young people.

"Every referral that is redirected on this basis is explained fully, so that the family are aware of the steps they need to take."

Bolton has an Early Help programme where community partners, such as schools and council professionals, plan and provide support for children and young people who are experiencing difficulties.

If this process is does not work then a referral to CAMHS is considered.

These can be made via GPs and other health professionals, or a young person is able to put themselves forward through self-referral.

The NSPCC issued an Freedom of Information request to all NHS Trusts in England, with only 65 providing the referral figures.

The charity is now calling on Government to shift the focus of children and young people’s mental health services towards early intervention.

Chief executive Peter Wanless added: "It is desperately sad to see so many young people facing distress around mental health issues being forced to wait months for assessment by CAMHS, many of whom are then rejected for treatment altogether. This risks leaving them in limbo while their condition potentially reaches crisis point.

"We recognise the hard work of mental health professionals in trying to help young people get their lives back on track. However, too many children who need help are struggling access support and treatment which can help them to recover.

"The Government’s forthcoming Green Paper on mental health must urgently evaluate the early support systems available to young people to ensure that no child is left to suffer in silence."