Dr. Brendan Doody:

The vast majority of children, who are under 18, are admitted to child and adolescent mental health facilities. In certain situations, in the best interests of the child, it may be prudent and necessary for the child to be admitted to an adult unit. In the last two years, the numbers admitted accounted for less than 7% of all admissions. The vast majority were aged 17. Over half were transferred to a CAMHS unit within four days and the average length of stay in the adult facility was four days. We also have to bear in mind that the recommended provision of inpatient beds for child and adolescent services in A Vision for Change is 100 beds and 70 are currently in place. We have 70% of the recommended level. The population has significantly increased since 2006. As I said, if somebody is very close to his or her 17th birthday, it may be in his or her best interest to remain in the adult unit rather than having to travel a significant distance to the four regional child and adolescent mental health units. If admission occurs, a transfer should take place as quickly as possible. The number of bed days that under-18s spend in adult units is very small. One would want to minimise that number. It is set out in the legislation that we should strive towards that. There will be exceptional circumstances where it is in the best interests of the young person to be admitted to an adult facility in an emergency situation.