Concerns have also been raised that a particularly vulnerable group, children under 16 suffering from psychotic illnesses that leave them "passive" and unable to express their own views, will not be guaranteed an independent review, which campaigners say is a violation of their human rights.
The concerns have been raised by the child faculty of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in its submission to the joint select committee of MPs scrutinising the Bill.
Professor Sue Bailey, chair of the faculty, said that under current proposals the definition of a mental disorder would be extended to conduct disorders common to children.
"We think this will leave children open to compulsory detention. The rate of disorder in children is quite high and the breadth of the definition will include all conduct disorders, from conditions not usually associated with the loss of liberty such as obsessive compulsive disorder to full blown psychosis.
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
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
