Many vulnerable children with learning disabilities are stuck in mental health hospitals for too long in poor conditions

Many vulnerable children with learning disabilities are stuck in mental health hospitals for too long in poor conditions Anne Longfield, the Children’s Commissioner for England, is today publishing a new report, ‘Far less than they deserve: Children with learning disabilities or autism living in mental health hospitals’. The report shows how too many children are being admitted to secure hospitals unnecessarily – in some cases are spending months and years of their childhood in institutions when they should be in their community. It warns that the current system of support for those with learning disabilities or autism is letting down some of the most vulnerable children in the country.

The report also finds shocking evidence of poor and restrictive practices and sedation, with some children telling the Children’s Commissioner of how their stay in mental health hospital has been traumatic, and parents too often left feeling powerless to do anything to intervene.

See also:

• Too many children in mental health hospitals, says report BBC News
• Too many children in England’s mental health hospitals unnecessarily – report The Guardian