Child and Youth mental health: analysis from an institution guarenteeing rights

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyze the mental health problems of children and adolescents from the perspective of an Institution entrusted by Law 4/2021, of 27 July, on Children and Adolescents of Andalusia, to be the guarantor of the defense of the rights and freedoms of this particularly vulnerable sector of society. It will address, first, main problems and challenges affecting these children with mental health problems, taking into account the experience of the Ombudsman’s Office in the complaints received from those affected, their families or associations in the sector. Claims that, on the other hand, have been increased after the pandemic caused by Covid-19. Protecting and defending the rights of children also involves formulating proposals for improvements to be taken into consideration by public administrations. Therefore, the document also contains a compendium of those suggestions and recommendations that the Ombudsman has addressed to the Administration of the Andalusian Regional Government to improve the quality of care offered to children suffering from any mental pathology.