North Kerry CAMHS Compensation Scheme Solicitors

At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we understand how distressing this issue has been for many families. If you are looking for clear legal advice on the North Kerry CAMHS compensation scheme, our team can advise on potential medical negligence claims as well as the steps involved in applying through a solicitor.

What Is the North Kerry CAMHS Compensation Scheme?

The North Kerry CAMHS compensation scheme is a State compensation scheme for young people who suffered harm or injury while in the care of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in North Kerry, as identified through the North Kerry CAMHS lookback review. The Minister stated that the scheme is an extension of the existing non-adversarial South Kerry CAMHS scheme, and the State Claims Agency is administering it on behalf of the HSE.

A non-adversarial scheme is designed to allow eligible families to seek compensation without having to pursue a traditional contested court action from the outset. That can be an important reassurance for families who want matters handled with sensitivity and clarity.

What Did the North Kerry CAMHS Review Find?

The HSE North Kerry CAMHS lookback review covered 374 files. It found no cases of extreme harm, but identified 2 cases at risk of major harm, 195 cases at risk of moderate harm, and 12 files where the potential for harm was assessed as minor. The HSE also said the review identified concerning findings including high rates of psychotropic prescribing, failures in physical health assessment and monitoring, disproportionately low use of therapeutic interventions, and concerns around consultation with parents.

The HSE National Clinical Lead for Child and Youth Mental Health said the review identified concerning findings in the care provided to 209 children and young people who were in the care of the service on 21 November 2022.

Who Can Apply to the Scheme?

According to the Minister’s statement, the scheme applies to children and young people in North Kerry who were identified as having suffered harm in the lookback review. The Minister also stated that the extension has been designed to cover young people who may become eligible through the further file review now being undertaken by HSE South West.

The HSE has said that affected young people will receive a letter inviting them to apply to the scheme, together with a frequently asked questions booklet and helpline details.

Can More Families Become Eligible?

Yes. The HSE has confirmed that it is carrying out a further clinically led file review covering all cases open to the North Kerry CAMHS service up to 21 November 2022. Initially, that review is focusing on cases where the potential for harm is considered greatest, including young people with a diagnosis of mental health and intellectual disability, those prescribed neuroleptic or antipsychotic medication, those receiving high-dose psychotropic medication, and cases where there is evidence of polypharmacy.

The Minister also confirmed that if a young person is identified as having suffered harm through that further review, they can apply to the compensation scheme immediately.

How Do Families Apply?

The Department of Health has stated that young people and their families can apply to the scheme through their solicitor by writing to the HSE indicating that they wish to enter the scheme. The scheme is operated by the State Claims Agency on behalf of the HSE.

This means it is sensible to take legal advice before taking any formal step, particularly where your family may also have grounds for a broader medical negligence claim. A solicitor can help ensure that the application is made properly, that relevant medical and treatment records are identified, and that the family fully understands the process and potential outcome before engaging with the scheme.

How Crimmins Howard Solicitors Can Help

We can assist families by:

• advising on whether the scheme appears to apply to your circumstances
• reviewing correspondence received from the HSE
• explaining the compensation process in plain English
• helping you enter the scheme through a solicitor
• advising on records, reports, and supporting documents
• guiding you throughout the process in a clear and sensitive way

We understand that many families will want straightforward advice before making any decision. Our role is to make the process easier to understand and to protect your family’s interests at every stage.

Why This Page Matters Now

The scheme only opened to North Kerry applicants from 26 March 2026, and the HSE has confirmed that affected young people will be invited to apply. At the same time, a further review is underway which may identify additional eligible cases. For families seeking answers now, there is clear current search intent around the North Kerry CAMHS compensation scheme, eligibility, and the role of a solicitor in applying.