Too many children with learning disabilities and autism are unnecessarily being treated in mental health hospitals – according to a report published today by the Children’s Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield. The report, Far Less Than They Deserve: Children With Learning Disabilities or Autism Living in Mental Health Hospitals, calls for reform of the system to prevent children going into hospital.
Among a raft of findings are that many children’s experiences are leaving them traumatised, with parents feeling powerless to intervene. There is “shocking evidence” of poor practices and sedation, children being kept in hospital for too long, in some cases are spending months and years away from their communities, as well as far from home.
Further details are available here.