Has new mental health legislation come into effect? The majority is due to come into force in October 2008 when a new code of practice to the Mental Health Act 1983, as revised following the Mental Health Act 2007, is published. A draft version of the code is currently out for consultation in England, with a similar exercise taking place in Wales.
What are the provisions relating to children and young people? Neither changes to advocacy services nor treatment in age-appropriate environments for patients under 18 will be enforced until arrangements are in place - about two years in the case of age-appropriate care. However, that does not delay the need for specialist assessment and care for under-18s suffering from serious mental health problems. Children (defined as under 16) and young people (16- and 17-year-olds) have chapter 39 of the code to themselves. However, other chapters focus on areas that may affect under-18s, for example, learning disabilities and criminal proceedings.
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