Explores the relationship between the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and the Mental Health Act (MHA) of 1983 (as amended by the Mental Heath Act 2007) the difference between the two laws in relation to detention and deprivation of liberty.

Looks at the law on deprivation of liberty safeguards (DOLS).

Explores who can make decisions on behalf of other people and when those decisions can be made.

Explores what kinds of disagreement can arise in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and possible solutions to resolve these.

Explores how you begin to work out a person’s best interests in a practical context and the limits and challenges associated with best interests decision making.

Explores why, when and how to carry out a formal, recorded assessment of capacity.

Explores what the Act means by ‘best interests’ as well as when best interests decisions need to be made.

Explores what is meant by making day-to-day decisions and how we can assess a person’s capacity to make their own decisions.