The Bill, which was passed by Parliament on 4 July, stipulates childrenshould be treated in an environment that is "geared to meet theirneeds". It also requires specialists in child mental health to beconsulted when determining an age-appropriate environment. Primary caretrusts will be obliged to provide such an environment and children'scases will be automatically referred to a tribunal after a year.
Kathryn Pugh, head of policy at the charity YoungMinds, said: "The Billacknowledges that children have different needs and it sends a signal toprimary care trusts that it is necessary to consider the needs of thechild. We're delighted that the Bill recognises the need for children tobe treated in an age-appropriate environment."
She added this would bring an end to children being treated in"inappropriate" adult settings. Pugh also welcomed provisions in theBill that would give extra protection for young people who were beingconsidered for electro-convulsive therapy. "The Bill is a commitment toprovide children with care that meets their needs - what we need now isa tight implementation framework," she said.
Sue Bailey, registrar at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said theBill would ensure children received the "right sort of assessment"."Child psychologists should be involved in an assessment of children andwe will be working with the Government on the workforce implications,"she said.
Steve Shrubb, director of the NHS Confederation, said the Bill'sapproval ended months of uncertainty. "We particularly welcome theconcessions made during the passing of the Bill on the right toadvocacy, ensuring that new safeguards are in place for people receivingelectro-convulsive therapy and the creation of a better environment forchildren," he said.
Health minister Ivan Lewis said the Government would begin a publicconsultation this autumn on "regulations to underpin the legislation"."I look forward to implementing these changes within the wider frameworkof investing in and improving mental health services - we will look todo this in partnership with the many stakeholders in mental healthservices, and with service users and their representatives," hesaid.
He added that the Bill was "good for the patients, their families andfor the public generally - the Bill will also make it easier forpatients with personality disorders get the treatment they need".
- www.parliament.uk.
