Very ill and challenging young people are often placed in speciallycommissioned secure psychiatric beds, the number of which has doubled inthe past two years. But the Commission for Social Care Inspection haswarned that psychiatrists are refusing to refer small numbers of youngpeople suspected of having personality disorders to these beds becausethey regard them as untreatable.
Linda Christie, the commission's inspector for secure care, said thesechildren were often aggressive and posed risks to others as well asthemselves.
Staff she had spoken to about one 14-year-old were convinced it was "nota matter of if she killed someone, but when".
Christie said it was essential young people received support fromqualified mental health nurses and doctors, who were experienced atdealing with the issue and could prescribe medication whennecessary.
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