"Not only does it cover everything that you might be going to a book on this subject to find, and does so with sure-footed accuracy and helpful summary route-maps at key points, but as with all the best books, it also includes matters that you would not realise that you should be aware of." Alex Ruck Keene KC (from a review of the previous edition)

Written with busy practitioners in mind, in clear and concise language with the use of flow charts and tables, two broad areas of law are covered:
1. Admission to hospital and treatment for mental disorder of children and young people ('adolescents').
2. Provision of services and support for adolescents with complex mental health needs.

Coverage includes:
- an overview of the system of supports for under 18s with complex mental health needs;
- decision-making by adolescents and those with parental responsibility;
- deprivation of liberty;
- the application of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to under 18s;
- the rules for identifying 'parental responsibility' and the 'nearest relative';
- admission to hospital and treatment for mental disorder, both 'informal' and detention under the MHA 1983;
- discharge from hospital, focusing on the role of the Tribunal and specific issues for adolescents;
- after-care planning; and
- Community powers: including community treatment orders (CTOs) and police powers.

The Second Edition covers developments in law and policy since the publication of the 1st edition, including analysis of:
- the raft of judgments concerning adolescents with complex needs;
- case law and policy concerning mental health care, with explanation of their impact on under 18s;
- key issues that will require consideration in future legal reform.

This title is included in Bloomsbury Professional's Family Law and Clinical Negligence online services.