CYP Now - Mental Health Bill marred by ‘inconsistent’ competency tests for young people, MPs and peers warn

MPs have raised concerns that the government’s draft mental health bill lacks a consistent, statutory approach to measure the competency of children under the age of 16 to make decisions around their support.

MPs and Peers have scrutinised the Bill. Picture: Marco Govel/Adobe Stock

This lack of consistency means young people “will not benefit fully from the rights and safeguards” set out in the Bill, MPs warn.

The concerns have been raised by peers and MPs sitting on a joint parliamentary committee scrutinising the draft mental health bill.

The legislation was announced last year and aims to reform the 1983 Mental Health Act to give mental health patients greater control over their treatment.

“Children and young people have special needs in mental health services due to their age,” states MPs and peers’ report.

“It is imperative that these reforms do not leave children and young people behind, and that they are guaranteed the access to safeguards and treatment that they need.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included