M.Cur. (Psychiatric Nursing) / In view of statistics available there is a definite need for a primary mental health service for children in the Republic of South Africa. Very little literature is available on the functions of the child psychiatric nurse, in this regard. This study was done to determine the functions of the child psychiatric nurse in the deliverance of a primary mental health care service for children. It was done by using the opinions of practicing child psychiatrists and child psychiatric nurses in South Africa.