Mental Health Law in England and Wales: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals

A complete, comprehensive and up-to-date reference guide to the Mental Health Act 1983, as amended by the 2007 Act, for any mental health professional - from social workers and occupational therapists, to GPs and nurses. The book simplifies mental health law making it accessible to busy professionals at all stages of practice as well as those affected by mental health law. Key chapters include details on who operates the Act, who is affected by it, how people may be subject to compulsion, how the law governs issues of capacity and consent to treatment, how to appeal against compulsion, and the role of the nearest relative. There are also important chapters on advocacy, children and the importance of human rights issues, as well as an extended appendices which provides access to the 1983 Act itself, important rules, regulations and Codes of Practice, and a summary of key cases that have been decided by the courts.