Admission to adult mental health wards for under 18's - adaptation for Scotland: guidance

1

Young people and parent/carers are presented with information in a way that they can understand. The language used is plain, jargon free and 'child and young person friendly.'

1

Where the young person has a Learning Disability and/or specific communication need, information may need to be provided in a form specifically developed for the individual child, e.g. using visuals or social stories.

2

The information provided to young people and parents/carers is written in consultation with, and peer reviewed by, young people and parents/carers who have had experience of inpatient care on a CAMHS or adult ward.

1

On the day of their admission, the young person is given "welcome information" or introductory booklet giving specific information about:

1

• The ward's facilities

1

• Modes of treatment

1

• Young person's rights

1

• How to complain

2

• How to access a second opinion

1

• Access to advocacy and other services

1

• The ward's activity programme highlighting activities suitable for young people

2

• Contact details for the named local CAMHS team linked to the ward

2

• Headspace Toolkit or other advocacy tools

See: https://headspaceireland.ie/

2

As soon as they are well enough, staff ensure that young people can discuss any questions or specific information they require.

2

Those with parental responsibility receive a parent or carer information pack that contains all the details described under 6.1.3.

2

The young person's and the parent/carer packs clearly state that the participation of the parent, carer or person with parental responsibility is encouraged whenever possible.

1

Young people and parents/carers that need it are given information in languages other than English and in forms in which people with sight, learning and other disabilities can use, within a specified period (as determined by the Hospital/Board).

2

The young person and their parent/carer are supported by staff in making use of the 'information pack' as often as required.

1

Staff regularly check that the information they have communicated has been understood.

1

On the day of their admission, and as often as required, staff explain and provide information about why they have been admitted.

1

• The level of observation they are under; the reasons for that level; and how often it will be reviewed.

1

• The medication they are given; what it is for; and how it might affect them.

1

• The treatments they are offered.

1

Complaints procedures are well-publicised and there is help on how to use them.

1

Young people and their parents/carers receive information about how complaints may be made without the knowledge and involvement of the person complained about, and with assurance that they will not be discriminated against if they complain.

1

There is information available on how to get independent help and advocacy in making complaints.

1

Young people and their parents/carers are given information (a verbal and written explanation) about the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act and when it might be used, in a manner they can understand and in a written format they can retain.

See: https://www.mwcscot.org.uk/sites/default/files/2019-07/a_short_intro_to_the_mental_health_act.pdf

and

https://www.mwcscot.org.uk/law-and-rights/mental-health-act

1

Young people are provided with information (a verbal and written explanation) about being given treatment without their consent, and the procedures that must take place before such treatment is given.

See: https://www.mwcscot.org.uk/looking-help/your-rights#989

and https://www.mwcscot.org.uk/law-and-rights/mental-health-act

1

Staff take time to explain to a young person about why they have been detained and how the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act applies to them.

See: https://www.mwcscot.org.uk/looking-help/your-rights

and https://www.mwcscot.org.uk/law-and-rights/mental-health-act (This document has not yet been updated with changes to the Act in 2015).

1

Young people are provided with information (verbally and a written explanation) about their rights to access a mental health tribunal and/or manager's hearings that explains how they can apply to be discharged from detention including:

• The role of the tribunal and hospital manager
• Their rights to legal representation
• How long they should expect to wait for a hearing date

See: https://www.mwcscot.org.uk/the-law/mental-health-act/mental-health-tribunal/

1

Young people and parents/carers are given information about the rights of carers under The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.

See: https://www.mwcscot.org.uk/the-law/mental-health-act/rights-of-carers/

1

Staff provide information (verbally and a written explanation) about who the young person's Named Person is, and why this is relevant.

See: https://www.mwcscot.org.uk/law-and-rights/mental-health-act#246

1

Within 24 hours of admission, and as often as required, young people (both detained and informal) are given advice about how to get independent help and advocacy, and it is explained what advocacy is.

1

Information about an advocacy service is signposted on the ward so young people can approach them directly.

2

Ward staff ask the advocate manager to consult with the young person and offer them a visit by an advocate.

2

The young people are given access to an age-appropriate advocacy toolkit, such as the Headspace Toolkit in a range of accessible formats.

See: https://headspaceireland.ie/

2

Staff support and encourage young people to use an advocacy toolkit throughout their stay.

1

Young people are able to meet with their advocate in a private room that is not audible from outside.

2

Young people have access to trained advocates who have been trained to work with young people and communicate in an accessible way.