The Mental Health Act Commission report Risk, Rights, Recovery 2005-2007, published last week, showed 1,308 children were admitted to adult wards. More than half were aged 17, with most of the rest aged 15 and 16. But the figure also included 22 children aged 14, three 13-year-olds and two under-12s.
Moira Fraser, head of policy at the Mental Health Foundation, said: "The thought of a 12-year-old on an adult ward is appalling."
Stella Charman, director of CAHMS Consultants, said services were patchy, with some areas placing far more children on adult wards. She said the report showed the importance of last year's revisions to the Mental Health Act and raised concerns about facilities for 16 to 18-year-olds. "It's important their needs are met in the right environment. It's a grey area, particularly for 17-year-olds."
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