THE number of children detained by police under the Mental Health Act in West Yorkshire has risen sharply in the last three years.

Figures show that 40 per cent more under 18s were sectioned by the force in 2018/19 than 2016/17, rising from 63 youngsters to 88.

The national figures, published by the Home Office, showed a 19 per cent rise in England and Wales, in contrast.

A leading charity has said ineffective mental health support is to blame for soaring numbers of young people being sectioned by police.

YoungMinds has warned that to reduce these numbers, the Government must prioritise early intervention.

Unfortunately, young people across the country too often can’t get effective mental health support until they reach crisis point. If the Government wants to reduce the number of young people who become so unwell that they need hospital treatment, it needs to make early intervention a priority" - Tom Madders, YoungMinds

The National Police Chiefs’ Council also recognised that officers are spending more time than they should dealing with people in crisis, due to understaffing in the NHS.

Tom Madders, at YoungMinds, said: “Unfortunately, young people across the country too often can’t get effective mental health support until they reach crisis point. If the Government wants to reduce the number of young people who become so unwell that they need hospital treatment, it needs to make early intervention a priority - through the NHS, in schools and in local communities.”

Mental health charities believe that prompter support would reduce the number of times police are called to deal with someone in crisis.

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Under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act police can take a person to a place of safety if it appears they have a mental disorder and are in need of immediate care and control.

Forces can only detain someone for up to 24 hours and the person is kept in the place of safety so they can be examined by a doctor and interviewed by a mental health professional, before arrangements can be made for treatment or care.

Being sectioned by police does not mean being taken to custody.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: “West Yorkshire Police works closely with local NHS mental health providers and will generally consult with colleagues in this area as to whether a detention under the mental health act is the most suitable course of action.

“The priority in such a situation is to take a detainee to a Place of Safety where they can receive the appropriate care.”

A National Police Chiefs’ Council spokesman said: “Police officers are spending more time than they should be waiting for people in crisis to be admitted for treatment because of understaffing in NHS services. There is a well-established dialogue between partners to build lasting support networks and we will work closely with the NHS and others to help those facing mental health emergencies get the assistance they need in line with their care needs.

“It is right that the police are there to protect those in immediate danger, but they shouldn’t become the first point of call for those who need longer term mental health support and access to prevention measures.”

The Government said it is committed to reducing the number of people that are sectioned.

A spokesman said: “We are committed to reducing the number of people detained under the Mental Health Act and we are investing in the NHS to transform mental health care and continue to ensure that those in a mental health crisis are treated with dignity and respect.”