Mental Health Act and Children & Young People

The Mental Health Act applies to children and young people as well as adults, raising additional considerations around development, consent, and safeguarding.

Guidance stresses age-appropriate care, family involvement, and minimal restriction. In practice, shortages in specialist services have sometimes resulted in children being placed far from home or in unsuitable settings.

The Act operates alongside the Children Act, meaning mental health intervention should sit within wider safeguarding and welfare duties.

Editorial note

This explainer is for public understanding only and does not provide legal or medical advice.