Using the Mental Capacity Act


About the Mental Capacity Act 2005

The Mental Capacity Act is a vital piece of legislation designed to make a real difference to the lives of people who lack mental capacity.

It empowers people to make decisions for themselves where possible, and provides a flexible framework putting people at the heart of the decision-making process.

It ensures people participate as much as possible in any decisions made on their behalf, and those made in their best interests.

Although many people have a duty under the Mental Capacity Act, the most important relationships will often be with close family and friends.

Who is the guide for

This resource has been developed specifically for family and friends of people with learning disabilities, so they understand how the Act affects them and those they care about.

Download your copy of the guide

The addendum lists all weblinks which have been changed since original publication of the guide.

Mental Capacity Act videos

The written guide is supported by eight videos. Please click on the picture below to view them. The subjects covered in the videos are:

  1. Assessing Capacity
  2. Best Interest Decisions
  3. Challenging a Decision
  4. Health
  5. Involving Family Carers
  6. Managing Finances
  7. Moving Home
  8. Transition

Our partners

“Using the Mental Capacity Act: A resource for family and friends of people with learning disabilities” was created as a joint project between: