Mother of suicidal girl held in locked hospital room ‘frightened’ for child’s life

Lack of mental health placement in England part of chronic shortage of secure accommodation for vulnerable children

A mother who has seen her suicidal 12-year-old daughter shuttled between placements and then held in a locked and windowless hospital room says she is frightened for her child’s life.

Since going into care in Staffordshire nine months ago, Becky (not her real name) has attempted to take her own life on several occasions. Her case throws fresh light on the chronic nationwide shortage of secure accommodation for vulnerable children.