ADHD assesments for children and adolescents

​​Request 764253772 

I would be grateful if you could provide the following information in relation to ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) assessments carried out under the public health system:
1. The total number of individuals currently on the waiting list for an ADHD assessment, broken down by age group (children/adolescents) if possible.
2. The average waiting time for an ADHD assessment as of the most recent reporting period, and the longest recorded waiting time.
3. Historical data (for the past three years, if available) showing the number of individuals on the waiting list and the average waiting times over that period.
4. Any information, reports, or internal correspondence outlining the reasons for the current waiting times.
5. Details of any measures, plans, or initiatives currently in place or proposed to reduce these waiting times and improve access to assessment and treatment.
If any part of this request exceeds the appropriate cost or time limits, please advise me as to how I may refine or narrow my request to stay within the statutory limits.
Thank you for your time and assistance. I look forward to your response within the statutory timeframe. 

Response 

1. The total number of individuals currently on the waiting list for an ADHD assessment is 147. 84 of these are aged 9 years and under; 63 are aged 10 years and over. This figure is constantly changing and was accurate as of 17 November 2025. 

2. Based on the last complete data set, collated from the third quarter of 2025, the current average waiting time for an ADHD assessment was 18 months.

The longest recorded waiting time was 30 months. Waiting times can be impacted by receipt of required documentation and attendance at appointments. 

3. The number of referrals for ADHD assessment over the past 3 years and average waiting times are provided in the table below.

Numbers waiting for ADHD will fluctuate during individual years as referrals arrive and assessments are completed. For clarity we have provide numbers referred in each individual year. 

​4. Waiting times for ADHD assessments have been impacted by the significant volume of referrals in recent years. In 2022, CAMHS received 328 referrals for ADHD assessments; in 2023, 534 referrals; and in 2024, 289 referrals. The improved recognition of features of ADHD is a positive thing and ensures children and young people can then access  assessments to ensure understanding of key issues and adaptations can be made to meet their needs. Despite the volume of referrals, CAMHS have worked hard to add capacity and manage waiting times. Additionally, CAMHS has not introduced any thresholds or access criteria for ADHD assessments like many services elsewhere. 

More information in relation to this can be found in the CAMHS Annual Report for 2024 published in March 2025: https://www.gov.je/SiteCollectionDocuments/Education/CAMHS%20Annual%20Report%20for%202024.pdf 

Additional annual reports can be found here: https://www.gov.je/government/pages/statesreports.aspx?reportid=5724 

5. In 2024, CAMHS was allocated an additional £400k of Government Plan funding to increase capacity for neurodevelopmental assessments. In 2025, and currently, further resource has been added to the team currently solely focused on delivering ADHD assessments. This ensured there were a significant additional 277 assessment slots introduced for the last quarter of 2025. CAMHS has also trained a number of permanent clinicians to deliver diagnostic assessments and further increased long term internal capacity. CAMHS remain determined to quickly address the waiting list and dedicate resources to complete prompt and robust assessments. ​​