Child given antipsychotics after being mistaken for an adult

Wednesday 26 March 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Wed 26 Mar 2025, 8:31am

In this story Health New Zealand, Matt Doocey

An 11-year-old girl was handcuffed and admitted to a Hamilton mental health facility after being mistaken for an adult. Mental Health Minister Matt Docey stated the child received at least two doses of antipsychotic medication. Health New Zealand and police are currently investigating the incident.

How they headlined it

7:59am

1. Stuff via RNZWed 26 Mar 2025, 7:59am

   11-year-old put in mental health facility given two doses of anti-psychotics, minister says (opens in new tab)

2. RNZWed 26 Mar 2025, 8:08am

   11-year-old put in mental health facility given two doses of antipsychotics, Minister says (opens in new tab)

3. 1News via RNZWed 26 Mar 2025, 8:24am

   Girl put in mental health facility given 2 doses of antipsychotics - Minister (opens in new tab)

4. Otago Daily TimesWed 26 Mar 2025, 8:31am

   11-year-old put in mental health facility was given antipsychotics (opens in new tab)