Mental health assessment powers for isolated children
Phase 2 should consider whether further legislative change is required to allow mental health clinicians to assess children and young people who are isolated from professional support and may pose a risk of violence, particularly where powers under the Mental Health Act 1983, as amended by the Mental Health Act 2025, do not permit assessment or detention.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe government agrees with all 67 recommendations made by the Chair. The government recognises these five fundamental failings. These failings are unacceptable. The Chair has made 10 recommendations for issues to be considered further by the Inquiry in Phase 2. This response refers to these recommendations where they are relevant to or driving current work. (Government Response to Phase 1 of the Southport Inquiry, CP 1623, 2 July 2026.)
Progress Timeline
Government response published 2 July 2026 (CP 1623). The government agreed with this recommendation, which the Chair referred for further consideration in Phase 2 of the Inquiry.
Awaiting government response. Phase 1 report published 13 April 2026.