Mental Health Act revised code of practice must be implemented to be of use, warns YoungMinds
14/05/2008
YoungMinds, the UK’s leading children’s mental health charity is encouraged by the Mental Health Act’s revised Code of Practice published this week. Yet warns guidance must be acted on to ensure changes for young people experiencing severe mental difficulties. Further work also needs to explore how to practically implement guidance such as ensuring children and young people receive the same educational provision as their peers.
Sarah Brennan, Chief Executive of YoungMinds said: “The code focuses on elements which YoungMinds believe are key to children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties such as access to information about what is happening to them and the treatments they will be receive. It also highlights the importance of taking into account the child or young persons feelings and making decisions in their best interests.
“What is essential now is to ensure that the guidance is implemented so that children and young peoples experience of specialist units and treatment is a positive one.”
The guidance also seeks to ensure that once receiving treatment no child or young person should be denied access to learning. There are however key issues the code does not cover which YoungMinds believes healthcare practitioners should consider. These include:
• If a young person is admitted to an adult ward there needs to be a time limit for how long they stay there. Whilst the guidelines do say this should be as soon as possible there should be guidance on the acceptable length of time.
• Feedback from young people who are current or ex service users should be used to help determine whether the accommodation is age appropriate and safe.
• Children’s and young peoples rights should be made explicit to them.
• Ideally those responsible for the care and treatment of children should be child specialists. Care and treatment should be based on the needs of the child rather than the available services
• All children and young people should be entitled to a safe space to disclose information to an advocate.
Ends
For immediate release: 14th May 2008
Notes to editors
• YoungMinds is the UK's leading children's mental health charity committed to improving the mental health and emotional well-being of children and young people by ensuring mental health is placed firmly on the public and political agenda. For further information visit www.youngminds.org.uk
• YoungMinds Parents Information Service receives over 4,000 calls a year from parents, carers and professionals concerned about the mental health of a child.
• For more information contact the YoungMinds press team on 020 7336 1451 or ympress@youngminds.org.uk
• YoungMinds Magazine is the leading publication for everyone with an
interest in child and adolescent mental health. Subscribe now by phoning
0870 870 1721. To advertise your product, event or service in YoungMinds Magazine, email susan.delgado@youngminds.org.uk
