'Fragmented and inconsistent': We respond to HSSIB report on transition from child to adult mental health services

A new Health Service Safety Investigations Board (HSSIB) report has explored how young people's safety and wellbeing is put at risk during the transition from child mental health inpatient services to adult services.

Jeremy Bernhaut, Associate Director of Policy and Influencing at Rethink Mental Illness, said:

“This report echoes what we’ve heard from members of our team who work with young people, that the transition to adult services is fragmented and inconsistent, with poor planning and communication leading people to lose touch with the system altogether. Young people should not have to face a cliff edge in support as they reach 18, which can put their recovery at risk and damage the trust they have previously built up with services. We’d urge mental health services to strive for flexibility based on the young person’s wishes wherever possible, while recognising that there must be resource in place within adult services and other agencies for transition to be as safe as possible, as the HSSIB report highlights.”