Mental Capacity Act 2005
The Mental Capacity Act is all about making decisions. It is law.
- Some people are able to make every decision about their own lives
- Some people are able to make some decisions
- A small number of people cannot make any decisions
- Being unable to make a decision is called not having capacity
The Mental Capacity Act is about making sure that people have the support they need to make as many decisions as possible. Family and important people in your life can support you to make decisions.
The Mental Capacity Act makes sure decisions made for people who do not have capacity are in their best interest.
The Mental Capacity Act also protects people who need family, friends or paid support staff to make decisions for them.
If you want to read more about the Mental Capacity Act, you can find this on the Local Government Association website.