Mind responds to allegations of yet another case of a child being let down by mental health services

In today’s (Tuesday 7 February 2023) Guardian there has been allegations of yet another case of a child being let down by mental health services. The article revealed that a mother has seen her suicidal 12-year-old daughter ‘shuttled between placements and held in a locked and windowless hospital room’, which she says has left her frightened for her child’s life.

Responding to these allegations, Gemma Byrne, Policy and Campaigns Manager, Mind said:

“We’re saddened to hear of yet another young person being let down by the very system which is supposed to protect and care for them. Too many young people with varied and complex mental health needs are falling through cracks in support.  While they may be admitted as mental health inpatients for brief periods of time, there are various barriers to them receiving long term inpatient care and they often end up being placed in unsuitable accommodation due to a lack of alternatives. Young people shouldn’t be left without appropriate mental health support because their needs are complex.

We want the UK Government to address this as a matter of urgency by including a duty on Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in the Mental Health Bill to ensure the needs of under-18s can be met in their communities without admitting them as inpatients. This should include multi-agency provision for young people with complex needs who are currently placed in unsuitable and unregulated social care accommodation.”