New tool to ensure families are involved in best interest decisions

A new resource has been developed for parents who feel that they are not being appropriately consulted about the welfare of their loved ones. 

Charities work with law firm to highlight rights of families under Mental Capacity Act. 

Ambitious about Autism, Mencap and the Challenging Behaviour Foundation worked with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors to develop the tool, following concerns that many professionals are failing to appropriately consult with families, as required under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. 

In its latest report into deaths of people with a learning disability in NHS care, Mencap found that many health professionals are failing to abide by the Act and ignoring crucial advice from families. 

A leaflet is now available which will support parents who have concerns that they are being excluded from decisions that social care or health professionals are making about their adult son or daughter. These may be decisions about where the person lives, what care they are getting, how they spend their time or medical treatment. 

Parents will now be able to use two template letters which are intended to help family members who have not been involved, or are concerned that they will not be involved in the best interest decision-making process in the future. 

Parents can download the leaflet at 

http://www.irwinmitchell.com/servicesforyou/support/Pages/ActivitiesViewer.aspx?item=149

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