title: The application of mental health legislation in younger children.
abstract: We review a case history of a young child who was admitted to an in-patient mental health unit due to extremely challenging behaviour and review the legal issues that had to be considered in ensuring that there was appropriate legal authority for the child's admission and treatment. In this particular case, the patient was detained for assessment under section 2 of the Mental Health Act 1983. This case demonstrates that all clinicians working in this area require a good understanding of the law in relation to treatment of children with mental disorder, which is extremely complex.
authors.affiliation: Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.affiliation: Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.
authors.forename: Barry
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Chipchase
authors.affiliation: Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rippon
authors.affiliation: Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: McArdle