Disturbing statistics from Health Minister Nelson Bascome in the House of Assembly yesterday revealed that seven children attempted suicide while in protective custody last year.

Outlining the services of the residential treatment facility, Mr. Bascome also noted that an alarming 90 percent of children in residential care come from single parent homes.

Last year 51 teenagers used the facility -- 45 residents and an additional 18 involved in a day and home based programme.

"Virtually all of our residents have behavioural problems and are truant from school,'' he said.

"And 35 -- or 69 percent -- of our clients had drug problems.

"Fourteen -- or 27 percent -- exhibited violent behaviour, and four -- or eight percent -- were sexual offenders,'' he added.

Almost half the children in custody were also victims of child neglect and had a history of violence in their homes.

"Eleven -- or 22 percent -- of our clients were on medication, and four percent were diagnosed with eating disorders,'' he continued.

Mr. Bascome pointed out that eight children were in such acute trouble that they had to be placed in facilities abroad.

"These youngsters were sent overseas because there were no services here in Bermuda or they had exhausted the services available,'' he said.

The Minister also revealed plans to have a new larger facility with inhouse treatment for the youths.

"Our report has been submitted to management services so that we can identify manpower requirements for this initiative.''