CHILDREN who have been abused are being let down since the organisations which should be planning for their mental health needs are failing to do, according to the NSPCC.

It said NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) were failing to ensure appropriate services were in place to support such victims.

The NSPCC said more than 40,000 abused or neglected children were living in parts of the North-East where support was inadequate.

Research shows that adults who have suffered abuse in childhood are twice as likely to develop clinical depression with early support regarded as key to minimising the long- term impact of any mental health issues.

The charity said two CCGs in the region failed to provide any plan at all for the needs of vulnerable children, including those who had been abused.

Almudena Lara, the NSPCC’s head of policy, said: “Our analysis shows that there are CCGs that are still not properly planning for the mental health needs of abused children and young people.

“It is crucial these children are supported to get back on track and lead healthy lives.”

CCGs must update their plans annually and the NSPCC is calling on all CCGs to develop clearer strategies to meet the mental health needs of children who have been abused.

An NHS England spokesman said the plans only set some priorities local areas have agreed and were not an exhaustive list of services available.

He said: "It is their duty to have other protocols and safeguarding practices in place for supporting victims of abuse.

“As part of the long-term plan for the NHS, mental health services are undergoing a significant expansion. By 2020/21 an additional 70,000 children and young people will have received treatment and this year we published comprehensive guidance for sexual abuse services.”