THE SNP was accused of “betraying a generation” today after waiting times for children and young people’s mental health treatment increased.

Children and adolescents waiting more than 18 weeks for a referral rose from 14 per cent to 15.9 per cent in the quarter ending June 2024, figures show.

This means that nearly one in six children and young people identified as in need of treatment waited more than four months to get help, Scottish Labour said.

The figures were published today by Scotland’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Paul Sweeney, Scottish Labour’s mental health spokesman, said: “Behind these numbers are families who are desperately trying to help their children but have ended up in limbo instead.

“Four months is a long time for any young person — and for some, it may be the most critical time in their life.

“The SNP must wake up to the mental health crisis on its doorstep and act now before a whole generation are betrayed.”