The new section 131A of the Mental Health Act is due to come into force in April 2010. This amendment will ensure that patients aged under 18 are treated in an environment in hospital which is suitable having regard to their age, with the purpose of preventing the inappropriate admission of children and young people to adult psychiatric wards. This briefing highlights how commissioners can work together to meet the new duty on age-appropriate accommodation in a timely manner. Contents include: the change in legislation; commissioning age-appropriate environments and services - where are we now?; what do young people want; getting ready for 2010 - meeting the new duty.
