An 11-year-old girl was mistakenly apprehended, given antipsychotic medication, and put on a mental health ward, after New Zealand police incorrectly identified her as a missing woman. This incident has caused widespread outrage and concern, prompting a detailed investigation by health officials and police.

The girl, who has limited communication skills, was walking over a bridge in northern Hamilton when she was wrongly identified by officers as a missing 20-year-old hospital patient. Subsequently, she was taken to the hospital, admitted into a psychiatric unit, despite a nurse commenting on her appearance suggesting she was a child.

Due to her inability to communicate her identity, the girl was deemed to have a disability. After refusing to take medication voluntarily, she was restrained and injected with antipsychotic drugs, which are infrequently administered to children. The staff involved believed they were dealing with an adult, not a child, as per the review of the incident on March 9.

The girl remained hospitalized for over 12 hours until the police’s error was realized, at which point her family was contacted to collect her.

“To the young person and their family, I apologize for the trauma and distress caused,” said Richard Sullivan, a senior health official overseeing the review. This report, while disturbing, is a crucial step to prevent such incidents in the future.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has ordered an investigation into the incident. He expressed deep concern and empathy for the girl and her family, recognizing the severity of the incident as a parent.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/02/new-zealand-girl-sent-psych-ward-identity-mix-up