Psychiatric Bulletin (2009) 33: 393-394. doi: 10.1192/pb.bp.107.018572
© 2009 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Education & training

Do we know the legal framework in child and adolescent mental health services? Survey of specialist registrars

Faeza Khan, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Adolescent Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, Cheadle Royal Hospital, 100 Wilmslow Road, Cheadle, Manchester SK8 3DG, UK, email: fkhan{at}affinityhealth.co.uk

Faria Khan, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Early Intervention Services, Preston

Latha Hackett, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Training Programme Director

Winnicott Centre, Manchester

Kenneth Ross, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

FACTS, Manchester

Declaration of interest

None.

Abstract

AIMS AND METHOD

This survey was conducted as part of the baseline assessment of trainees’ needs concerning the legal aspects of child care and to evaluate the implications for the regional academic programme. A group of specialist registrars in child and adolescent psychiatry in the North Western Deanery completed a questionnaire-based survey.

RESULTS

None of the specialist registrars had experience in forensic child and adolescent psychiatry. With regard to the legislation: 13 (100%) mentioned the Mental Health Act 1983; 12 (92.3%) the Children Act 1989; 7 (53.8%) the Human Rights Act 1998. Of those surveyed, 13 (100%) were aware of parental responsibility; 10 (76.9%) identified the Children Act as being less stigmatising as compared to the Mental Health Act. Five (38.4%) had written court reports, and eight (61.5%) felt fairly confident after the 1-day training course. Overall interest in becoming an expert witness was 69.2% (n=9).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Deficits in knowledge about the legal framework, limited experience in forensic placements and lack of interest in becoming an expert witness need to be further explored.