This briefing has been written to support commissioners of both adult mental health services and child and adolescent mental health services to prepare to meet the requirements of a new duty within the Mental Health Act 2007, amending the 1983 Act, to admit and treat patients aged under 18 into an environment in hospital which is suitable having regard to their age. The Government has committed to commencing this duty in April 2010, with the purpose of preventing the inappropriate admission of children and young people to adult psychiatric wards. (National Mental Health Development Unit - publications)