It is disappointing that the Government’s 2021 Mental Health White Paper leaves expanding the legal right to support from an advocate to all children and young people subject to future funding availability. There is a compelling case that Independent Mental Health Advocates have a valuable role in helping inpatient children and young people understand their rights and raise any concerns that they may have. It is nonsensical that this resource is denied from children and young people admitted ...

It is disappointing that the Government’s 2021 Mental Health White Paper leaves expanding the legal right to support from an advocate to all children and young people subject to future funding availability. There is a compelling case that Independent Mental Health Advocates have a valuable role in helping inpatient children and young people understand their rights and raise any concerns that they may have. It is nonsensical that this resource is denied from children and young people admitted informally, who are often living under the same conditions as those admitted formally. Type: conclusion | Number: 30 | Paragraph: 135 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: We accept this recommendation. As part of the reforms to the Mental Health Act, we plan to expand eligibility to Independent Mental Health Advocated services to informal patients, including children and young people, who are admitted to hospital on a voluntary basis. This is to ensure that all patie