Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 169: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the issue of young persons with mental health issues being placed in adult facilities. [6003/10]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The HSE has prioritised the development of mental health services for children and young people. During 2009 the bed capacity for children and adolescents almost doubled, bringing the total number of in-patient beds to 30. In addition, two purpose built 20-bed units are under construction in Cork and Galway. In December 2009, there were a total of 55 Child and Adolescent Mental Health teams. A further eight teams are in development.

The inappropriateness of admitting children to units providing care and treatment to adults is recognised but in the absence of an alternative, such admissions are sometimes necessary for the safety and treatment of the child. In arriving at a decision to admit a child to an adult unit, due consideration is given to the risks to the child of not admitting him /her, and the potential adverse effects of such an admission. The Mental Health Commission has issued an addendum to their code of practice relating to the admission of children to psychiatric hospitals which provides that;

a) No child under 16 years is to be admitted to an adult unit in an approved centre from 1st July 2009;

b) No child under 17 years is to be admitted to an adult unit in an approved centre from 1st December 2010; and

c) No child under 18 years is to be admitted to an adult unit in an approved centre from 1st December 2011. If, in exceptional circumstances, the admission of a child to an adult unit in an approved centre occurs, the approved centre is obliged to submit a detailed report to the Mental Health Commission outlining why the admission has taken place.