The Government has consistently opposed attempts to ban children frombeing detained on adult wards, throwing out an amendment made by theLords (Children Now, 16-22 May).
But following negotiations with campaigners last week, health ministerRosie Winterton announced that a new amendment would be introduced inits place.
The amendment will put a duty on hospital managers to ensure that allpatients aged under 18, whether admitted under compulsion orvoluntarily, are placed in suitable settings, unless "needs dictateotherwise".
Thanking 11 Million, formerly known as the Office of the Children'sCommissioner, and YoungMinds for their "willingness to engage inconstructive discussion", Winterton said: "The Government's amendment tothe Mental Health Bill on this issue will benefit what is a particularlyvulnerable group - children and young people being treated for mentaldisorder."
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