Mental capacity

The Mental Capacity Act:

• empowers people to make decisions for themselves wherever possible
• protects those who lack capacity by placing them at the heart of the decision-making process
• ensures that people participate as much as possible in decisions made on their behalf, and these decisions are made in their best interests
• allows people to plan ahead, in case they might lack capacity in the future for any number of reasons, to make decisions for themselves.

Information for families and individuals

The following information and guidance can help you understand the Mental Capacity Act.

• Supporting people: Using the Mental Capacity Act - a guide from Hft for family and friends
• Compassion in dying - making decisions and planning your care
• Mental Capacity Act resource pack from Mencap - for family carers of people with a learning disability
• Mental Capacity Act information from Alzheimer's Society
• Mental Capacity Act information from MIND

Looking for information on how the MCA enables you to plan for the future?

Information for professionals

All professionals who work within the health and social care sector have a duty to comply with the Mental Capacity Act, alongside your own specific policies, procedures and regulatory requirements pursuant to your individual setting.

General information and resources related to the Mental Capacity Act from Social Care Institute for Excellence

Training

To discuss your training needs, contact the MCA/DoLS Learning and Development manager. Please email learning&development@cambridgeshire.gov.uk, or call on 01480 373534