National Adolescent Forensic Service
A clinically managed network of nationally commissioned medium secure forensic psychiatry inpatient services for young people of 12-18 years inclusive.
This service provides medium secure care under the Mental Health Act for young people aged between 12 and 18 years with severe mental illness who are a danger to themselves or others, and who may have committed criminal offences.
This service was designated and commissioned by the National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group (NSCAG) from April 2002 on behalf of English residents. Scottish residents also have access to the service under an agreement between NSCAG and the National Services Division, Scotland. Health Commission Wales has separate agreements with the providers for Welsh residents.
Designated centres
There are five designated centres:
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Birmingham - Ardenleigh [Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Trust] (20 beds)
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London - Bill Yule Adolescent Unit [South London & Maudsley NHS Trust] (10 beds)
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London - Wells Unit [West London Mental Health NHS Trust] (10 beds)
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Manchester - Gardener Unit [Bolton, Salford & Trafford Mental Health NHS Trust] (10 beds)
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Newcastle upon Tyne - Roycroft Unit [Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Trust] (18 beds)
Service description
The service includes:
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evidence-based treatment while an inpatient
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provision of appropriate educational services
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provision of an activities programme during vacations, if education is not being provided
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effective, safe, and timely discharge
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specialist professional advice to referrers and other agencies.
The units are managed as a single national resource and admissions depend on clinical suitability. A further 20 beds will be available in 2008 at Bluebird House, Southampton, to provide facilities for young people living in the South West of the country.
The network will include similar specialist Adolescent Forensic Learning Disability Services from April 2007
Useful documents
Network contact: Dr Lynne Daly, lynne.daly@gmw.nhs.uk, tel. 0161 772 3668