The Youth Endowment Fund has published a report looking at access to mental health support for children and young people who are involved in or are at risk of serious youth violence in England and Wales. The report draws on findings from literature reviews, data analysis, service mapping and interviews with professionals, caregivers, and young people. Key findings highlight barriers to accessing timely, appropriate, and trusted support, particularly for children with the greatest mental health needs and facing additional marginalisation. Barriers include: restrictive eligibility criteria; long waiting times; and stigma, distrust, and fear of criminalisation. The report makes calls for systemic reform around access to mental health support.
Read the report: Access to mental health support for children and young people involved in or at-risk of serious youth violence across England and Wales
Source: Youth Endowment Fund
Date published: 10 October 2025
