The government’s attempt to end the scandal of locking up young adults with autism and/or learning difficulties has been given a cautious welcome by families and campaigners.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) confirmed that “all 2,250 people with a learning disability and autism who are inpatients in mental health hospitals will have their care reviewed over the next 12 months”.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock acknowledged that the current system had issues that needed to be addressed.
Mr Hancock said: “For those living with learning disabilities and autistic people, the current system can leave them in isolation for long periods of time, with no prospect of release into the community.
“I am determined to put this right and today we are committing to reviewing the care of every patient with learning disability and autism over the next 12 months – alongside a clear plan to get them discharged back into their homes and communities.”
He added: “I have also asked for advice on separating out the law regarding those with learning disabilities and autism from the law regarding mental health. This will start with those in the most restrictive settings.”
Responding to the government’s announcement, Jeremy – the father of an autistic teenager who is being held in a mental health unit – said: “These are more promises from the DHSC. After all they promised to halve the number of people detained by 2020. Matt Hancock added another five years to this last year.
“It doesn’t go far enough. There are no definites, no proper deadlines, no clarity. It is another placating response from Hancock.”
Jeremy’s daughter Bethany is locked up for 24 hours day without any physical human contact. He told Sky News his daughter was being held in a “cell” where food was served to her by sliding it across the floor.
