Number of children in mental health hospitals doubles

The number of children admitted to mental health hospitals in England has doubled since 2015 according to a new report. Data provided to the Children's Commissioner's Office by NHS Digital show that 250 children with a learning disability or autism were identified in a mental health hospital in England in February 2019. The report also says that children are being detained in hospital for too long and are being placed far from their family and home. Health and social care secretary Matt Hancock said that it was possible for more children with learning disabilities to live in the community and that the government was "determined to make sure that everybody gets to the right setting".