The Pocketbook Guide to Mental Health Act Assessments

Do you find existing guidance to the Mental Health Act difficult to use? Do you wish there was a simpler resource you could refer to when you want to check a point of detail before completing an assessment? This book is suitable for new and experienced social workers, and also junior doctors.

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"This guide is an excellent resource...It has a good balance between the legal context and practical/operational issues. I particularly like the checklists and examples from practice which can be used as an aide memoire...This will be an invaluable reference book to keep in your assessment bag." (Karen Lloyd, Training Consultant & AMHP, Oldham Council, UK). Do you find existing guidance to the Mental Health Act difficult to use? Do you wish there was a simpler resource you could refer to when you want to check a point of detail before completing an assessment? This handy pocketbook for Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs) provides key advice for busy practitioners on the day-to-day aspects of using and applying the Mental Health Act. This includes practical advice on how to set up an assessment, how to undertake an assessment and how to make and implement informed decisions quickly. The busy practitioner will find this guide invaluable for quickly finding the information they need to complete an assessment.
This useful book includes: a summary of the different sources of law and explanation of where the Mental Capacity Act fits in; examples of best practice and common pitfalls; checklists and decision making flow charts; and, links to the law that AMHPs need to be aware of in their practice. Written by an experienced practitioner, this practical guide is not only suitable for new and experienced social workers, but also junior doctors and those in the social care profession considering a route into AMHP.