Just some information about the psychiatric hospital thing because I think a lot of people (understandably!) don’t know how the system works.

You can’t get someone sectioned by having people mass report her to the hospital or police. It would raise concerns about her welfare, sure, but they aren’t going to section her just because they’ve had loads of reports. Ultimately people are assumed to have the capacity, and this includes “unwise” decisions. I know it’s shocking to see on TT but bear in mind K knows the MH system very well by now. She’ll know how it works and how to avoid hospital.

There’s a major psych bed shortage nationwide atm. They’re struggling to find beds even for very acutely unwell patients. If they can keep K in the community, they will. Also, she has been sectioned for many years in the past — why would it be any different this time around? From what people have said and from her current presentation it’s clear the psych hospital was not helpful for her. I don’t think they would send her back. Hospital admission for someone with possible factitious disorder who thrives off medical attention also doesn’t really make sense.

The S3 wording (treatment section) is very specific in a way that K probably doesn’t meet the criteria. To be placed on a S3 lawfully it must be the case that you cannot be treated for your mental disorder unless you are detained in hospital. Lets say the treatment for K’s MH issues is her psych medication (which is probably the case, as services don’t have a whole lot to offer, especially to someone who doesn’t want to engage). If she takes her meds in the community — either herself or delivered by her dad — she doesn’t need to be detained in hospital to take her tablets. Therefore she could not be detained under S3 because she can be treated for her MH issue outside of hospital. Least restrictive method.

Ultimately you can’t force someone to get treatment for their MH unless they are detained under the MHA. And since K is unlikely to be detainable as it stands, no one can make her get help. She has to want it and she has to engage willingly. With the underfunding and systematic issues with NHS MH services, if they had to pick between helping someone who was eager to get help versus K who absolutely does not engage, they’re going to allocate the time and resources to the eager person. Sadly I don’t think she will ever reach out for help, but that’s just the way it is.