The use of Community Treatment Orders in England

What is it about?

This paper describes the number of Community Treatment Orders that have been used in England in the first five years following their introduction.

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Why is it important?

The use of Community Treatment Orders (CTOs) remains controversial but our study indicates there were quickly established in clinical practice in Mental Health services across England. The number of CTOs initiated each year has stabilised. A small proportion ( between one in ten and one in six) of patients detained in hospital are discharged on CTOs. This proportion varies between services and specialities. Our results indicate that on average CTOs have duration longer than 12 months.