The interface between mental capacity and mental health legislation can present a challenge for decision making. It requires a depth of thinking and a viewpoint that goes beyond a legalistic one. The reader is invited to reflect on the spirit of the legislation and on their own position and interpretations. There is an emphasis on emancipatory, values-based practice and a focus on choice. The chapter supports professionals to frame their own decision-making orientation and to use existing models, practice, policy and legal imperatives to support this. The chapter suggests that practitioners need to strike a balance between enabling people and sanctioning people, and that balance sits on a very fine line. The chapter therefore asks the reader to be aware of professional, organisational and legal boundaries and frames and to acknowledge and understand the complexities and nuances of decision making. Historical, contemporary and future frames are addressed.
The book focuses on decision-making including assessment, detention, compulsion and coercion in mental health settings or compulsory mental health work. It has a particular focus around boundaries, frames and contexts of practice. As such it invites the reader to deconstruct practice scenarios and critically reflect more deeply by: evaluating compulsory mental health work including interventions and their outcomes; understanding the deep processes of assessment and decision-making, including the use of self in practice; understanding the ways in which identities, professional positions, frames and boundaries can influence outcomes with those subject to compulsory mental health; work and understanding the place of critical reflection in education, training and practice.The book is timely: legislation, policy, resourcing, the socio-political agenda, formal mental health roles and the nature of the work are all changing. Outcomes of statutory mental health interventions are disproportionate (this being one rationale for current statutory reforms in England and Wales) and this of itself needs interrogation. There is a need for all involved to pause and reflect on assessments and decision-making points as micro-encounters. Assimilating these into practice and understanding how these influence decision-making can be one of the most challenging aspects of decision-making and of professional development.Designed to support training and CPD in compulsory mental health work, this book looks at assessment, detention, compulsion and coercion in a variety of mental health settings. It focuses on decision making in a variety of professional roles with people from a diversity of backgrounds including contributions from people with lived experience of mental health services. With emphasis on theory into practice, the book is essential reading for those looking to develop their reflexive and critical analytical skills.Relevant for all professionals making decisions under mental health legislation and those developing, teaching and supporting practitioners in the workplace, it includes:critical reflection techniques;‘editors’ voice’ features at the start and close of each chapter, summarising key themes.Designed to support training and CPD in compulsory mental health work, this book looks at assessment, detention, compulsion and coercion in a variety of settings. With emphasis on theory into practice, the book is essential reading for those looking to develop their reflexive and critical analytical skills.