What age

melda · 20-01-2009, 11:48 PM

I am intrigued to find know what is the minimum age that a person can be sectioned in the UK. Im just curious.

Sleepless123 · 20-01-2009, 11:57 PM

Hmmmm im not sure i know the answer to this.Though i think i have known people certainly at 16 being sectioned and i think it may well actually be lower than that.But correct me someone if im wrong.

im here if you want to talk some more about this or anything that is going on for you but hope others can help give you a better, more accurate answer to this too!

Take care.

Cryptic. · 21-01-2009, 12:00 AM

I was sectioned when I was 13 if that helps any.

dubagirl · 21-01-2009, 12:44 AM

i think i read somewhere that, as soon as someone can be held accountable for their actions, they can be put under a section??
not sure where i read that though
for instance, a 6 year old by law is too young to be held accountable for things they might do (i think...) so wouldn't be able to be sectioned
don't know really, just thought i'd add that in, just in case it has any relevance.
sorry!
but yeah it's definitely under 16.

Pomegranate · 21-01-2009, 03:42 AM

A ten year old is held accountable by their actions under law. However, the Mental Health Act covers those who are adult and minor. Therefore there is no reason why a ten year old could not be sectioned under the act. I do not know what the recorded youngest age of someone sectioned is though.

silverfaerychild · 21-01-2009, 03:54 AM

I cant answer that....but you could find out through the site for your Country

Runa · 21-01-2009, 07:36 AM

I was threatened to be sectioned at the age of 14... so I'm assuming it could be any age, depending on how much of a danger the person is to themselves and or others.

sherlock holmes · 21-01-2009, 12:12 PM

It can be any age I'm sure.

In the adolescent unit I was on there were 14 year olds sectioned. The youngest patients were 11 and I think one might have been sectioned.

I also learnt there was a childrens psych ward (11 and younger) which made me feel very sad.

21-01-2009, 02:45 PM

I was told in hospital you were sectionable under the mental health act from age 14+, and below that you were sectionable under the children's act (any age). I don't know if that's right or it helps, but thought I'd put it out there.

Daydream · 21-01-2009, 07:25 PM

You can be sectioned at any age under 16 (I think) with the Children's Act and any age over with the mental health act.

Cryptic. · 21-01-2009, 07:39 PM

^^ I was sectioned under the mental health act when I was 13?

Daydream · 21-01-2009, 07:47 PM

Thats why I said "I think" :P

Cryptic. · 21-01-2009, 08:50 PM

Oh, okay. Sorry.