Increase in children in crisis sectioned by police

YoungMinds has warned that to reduce these numbers, the Government must prioritise early intervention.

Figures published by the Home Office and analysed by the Newsquest Data Investigations Unit revealed that the number of young people detained by police under the Mental Health Act had risen by 19 per cent between 2016-17 and 2018-19 in England and Wales.

In Cumbria, the number of young people sectioned by the county’s police force has risen from 12 in 2016/17 to 25 in 2018/19.

Workington’s MP said there were significant problems in the delivery of mental health services in the area.

Mark Jenkinson said recruitment of mental health professionals was a big challenge.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council recognised that officers were spending more time than they should dealing with people in crisis, due to understaffing in the NHS.

Tom Madders, director of campaigns at YoungMinds, said: “Unfortunately, young people across the country too often can’t get effective mental health support until they reach crisis point. If the Government wants to reduce the number of young people who become so unwell that they need hospital treatment, it needs to make early intervention a priority - through the NHS, in schools and in local communities.”

Mr Jenkinson said: “Our mental health services in West Cumbria have been lacking for some time, and I mean some time. I have got personal experience of this within my family and we’re talking of the last two decades.

“In child mental health services (CAMHS), particularly, I know we have unacceptable waiting times.”

The MP attended an event in Maryport recently with Baroness Diana Barran, the civil service minister.

They met with We Will, a group of teenagers who have dedicated themselves to fighting for better mental health services for young people across the country and especially in Cumbria.

The group works with local schools, encouraging peer support groups and offer youth mental health first aid courses, which Mr Jenkinson is also due to complete.

We Will’s demands to the baroness and Mr Jenkinson includes the need for anyone in crisis to be seen within four hours and more to be done to reduce waiting lists – which now even extend to counsellors in some West Cumbrian schools.

Mr Jenkinson said: “I do hope the recent changes in the mental health trust locally will begin to address some of the significant problems we have.

“Recruitment is one of the issues and I have met with a number of chief executives and chairmen of trusts of various health services to discuss this.

“Our problems stem from recruitment and retention, it’s not a case of everything needing more money.”

Under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act police can take a person to a place of safety if it appears they have a mental disorder and are in need of immediate care and control.

Forces can only detain someone for up to 24 hours.

Inspector Dave Barr, of Cumbria police, said: “The use of detention under the Mental Health Act 1983 is a measure taken to protect those in crisis, including people aged under 18.

“It is used in situations where the person is in need of immediate care and control.

“Officers are given training to deal with such incidents.”

Mental health and learning disabilities services in North Cumbria have transferred to become part of the newly formed Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.

To support children and young people’s mental health, the North Cumbria Children and Young People’s Resilience, Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Local Transformation Plan is in place which supports how a range of services can offer a range of tertiary and specialist interventions that can support children, young people and their families.

Jill Stewart, associate nurse director at the trust, said: “Nationally, we know that there is an increase in referrals to CAMHS services and we are continually reviewing our services and how we work to support this. Locally, the North Cumbria plan sets out the emotional wellbeing of children and young people across the region and that it is everyone’s responsibility to raise awareness of and challenge the stigma of mental health.

“Since the change in service delivery we have introduced new ways of working, training and enhanced multi-agency working and communication to ensure that children and young people are seen quickly and appropriately according to clinical need. The average waiting time for a young person to be seen in North Cumbria is nine weeks. However, children who present in crisis are seen within 48 hours.

“We have continued to work with children, young people, families and carers to support them whilst they are waiting for their first appointment and we continually keep in touch whilst awaiting their appointment.”

Mental health charities believe that prompter support would reduce the number of times police are called to deal with someone in crisis.

Being sectioned by police does not mean being taken to custody.

A National Police Chiefs’ Council spokesman said: “Police officers are spending more time than they should be waiting for people in crisis to be admitted for treatment because of understaffing in NHS services. There is a well-established dialogue between partners to build lasting support networks and we will work closely with the NHS and others to help those facing mental health emergencies get the assistance they need in line with their care needs.

“It is right that the police are there to protect those in immediate danger, but they shouldn’t become the first point of call for those who need longer term mental health support and access to prevention measures.”

The Government said it was committed to reducing the number of people who are sectioned by police.

A spokesman for the Home Office said: “Police officers do a tough job protecting those facing mental health problems in often difficult and distressing circumstances and are provided with training to support them.

“We are committed to reducing the number of people detained under the Mental Health Act and we are investing in the NHS to transform mental health care and continue to ensure that those in a mental health crisis are treated with dignity and respect.”

But YoungMinds, said the Government must prioritise reforming the outdated Mental Health Act to give young people a greater say over decisions about treatment.

Mr Madders said: “We are still waiting for the UK Government to publish its full response to the recommendations made by the independent review of the Mental Health Act, which was carried out in 2018.

“The Mental Health Act review included some positive proposals that would mean that children and young people are only treated in hospital when absolutely necessary, and which would strengthen and clarify their rights to be involved in – and challenge – decisions about their care.

“The Government has committed to reforming the Act, but we hope they will take urgent action to consider and implement these proposals.

“It is also vital that we see greater investment in early intervention, so that more young people receive support in their communities before they reach crisis point.”

According to the Home Office figures, of all the people sectioned by police between 2016-17 and 2018-19, more than four per cent were under the age of 18.

Mr Madders said: “Being admitted to hospital can be a lifeline for some young people with mental health problems, but it can also be a confusing and frightening experience – and that’s why detention should only ever be used as a last resort.”