This new best practice guidance from the Department of Health details the procedure for transferring to and from hospital (under the Mental Health Act 1983 in England) any child or young person who is:

• detained in custody in pursuance of any sentence or order for detention (by a court in criminal proceedings); or
• remanded in custody (by a court in criminal proceedings) or who is otherwise detained in custody.

The guidance aims to help colleagues to work together more effectively in order to ensure timely transfer of mentally disordered young people and avoid unacceptable delays. With the recent expansion in the number of secure psychiatric beds for children and young people nationally, good practice indicates that transfers should be completed within seven days.

Procedure for the Transfer from Custody of Children and Young People to and from Hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983 in England (PDF). Department of Health, 1st Aug 2011.