DC's dad has been sectioned - what help can they get

[Iknowthatandyouknowthat]

It's been quite a traumatic couple of months for me and the children, resulting in their dad (my ex) being sectioned. While they seem OK, it's has been a horrible couple of months for all of us. How do i find out what help is available for them?
Thank you

Do you know what section they are under? It's worth looking at the mind website which has some info re the impact of sectioning.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/legal-rights/sectioning/about-sectioning/#:~:text=5(4).-,Section%202,the%20protection%20of%20other%20people.
Some sections eg 5/2, 5/4, 136, are very short term and just designed to get someone seen by a relevant professional.

Then biggest confusion I've seen people have is that all of the sections are an "up to" so it's not uncommon to be taken off of section before it runs out. So someone on a section 2 could be taken off in a week, and either made an informal (voluntary) patient or discharged from hospital if they are no longer deemed to need it.

There is no automatic aftercare for someone on section, as it really depends on how someone is at the time.

Is there a specific help for the person detained or for your son that your thinking of?

Firstly there can be automatic aftercare depending on what section you are on.

Most people are sectioned initially for 72 hours for assessment purposes. After that they can be sectioned for longer, discharged or stay voluntarily.

Your children may need a carers assessment. They should contact their DD's named nurse and ask what help and support is available. If there are things he needs doing that they are unable to do then dads social worker should support.

Mind is a really good website with a lot of info on.

@Mbop it really does depend. It's not uncommon for services to discharge the aftercare responsibility (assuming you're talking about 117)

It's not very uncommon of for someone to be discharged of any section including a 3 (baring the forensic ones) back to just gp support. Especially if this is their first time in hospital

Thanks, I have looked at the Mind website but I'll follow the link.
He broke a non-mol and had MHA as result of that and is on a section 2. As we're divorced, his nearest relative is looking after him but my priority now is the safety and support I can find for the kids. They are all teen/pre-teens so have some understanding of what's happened but they need to talk to someone who isn't me

Have a look at young carers groups. Councils often have linked groups, support etc.

Maybe they just need to keep talking to you or a close relative. They may need to know that their dad is OK and may want to know how he is doing. Is it possible for them to have contact with their father's family? If there is to be no contact because of his violence then they may still need to know he is OK. In terms of counselling I would doubt that there is much available unless you are willing to pay privately. There are many kids with serious mental health problems on waiting lists hence why so many parents pay for private help.

Thanks all. I have spoken with childrens services and they have signposted a couple of options. Also going to call my GP