Editorial Perspective: Mental health needs of children and young people of Black ethnicity. ¹ Is it time to reconceptualise racism as a traumatic experience?

We explore racial inequality in relation to Black children and young people (CYP) Child Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). argue that the experience of racism should be universally considered an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE). vicarious trauma arising from exposure frequent media reports racially motivated violence against persons ethnicity can all predispose CYP increased risk mental health problems. make recommendations improve CYP’s early access CAMHS, reduce their overrepresentation psychiatric in-patient settings UK. This would require making CAMHS more welcoming consideration impact diagnostic treatment formulation for CYP. include: staff training, improving cultural competence staff, supporting articulate experiences related traumas whilst facilitating development coping strategies manage these experiences.