A Practical Guide to the Mental Capacity Act 2005: Putting the Principles of the Act into Practice

This book provides a theory-to-practice breakdown of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and what its implications are for health and social care workers. Informative and accessible, it provides a clear depiction of the ethos behind the Act and offers instruction for its effective, lawful and person-centred application. This practical guide describes how to assess capacity and what a good assessment of capacity should look like, how to deal with conflicts and dilemmas, and the role of legal authority in decision-making. A Practical Guide to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 is an invaluable resource for any health and social care professionals working with individuals who lack decision-making capacity.

Matthew Graham MSc is Senior Lecturer in Social Work in the School of Social Work, Care and Community at the University of Central Lancashire. He is a registered social worker.

Jakki Cowley is co-director of Empowerment Matters, an Advocacy and Mental Capacity Act Resource, Support and Information Agency. She is a committee member of the Court of Protection Practitioners Association (CoPPA). Both of the authors are leading trainers and educators on the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and specialise in delivering training which is accessible to all practitioners as well as service users and carers.

Alex Ruck Keene is a barrister, writer and educator, specialising in the Mental Capacity Act 2005. He has acted in cases involving the Mental Capacity Act 2005 at all levels up to and including the Supreme Court. He also writes extensively, has numerous academic affiliations and is the creator of the website www.mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk. He lives in London.