{"id":69450,"date":"2025-06-20T09:55:48","date_gmt":"2025-06-20T08:55:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/send-local-offer\/preparing-for-adult-life-ages-14-25-years\/transitions-support-sessions\/support-available-for-parents-carers-and-young-carers-before-during-and-after-transitions-2\/"},"modified":"2025-07-15T13:44:06","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T12:44:06","slug":"aspirations-mental-capacity-and-decision-making","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/send-local-offer\/preparing-for-adult-life-ages-14-25-years\/transitions-support-sessions\/aspirations-mental-capacity-and-decision-making\/","title":{"rendered":"Aspirations, mental capacity and decision making\u200b\u200b\u200b"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"page-section clearfix text-dark\" id=\"block_acf-block-68764d11893bb\"><div class=\"page-inner\"><div class=\"grid-container\"><div class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x\"><div class=\"medium-12 large-12 cell\"><div class=\"page-innerblocks\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aspirations, mental capacity and decision making\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Understand the principles of mental capacity and decision-making, and how these concepts apply to young people transitioning to adulthood, including your rights and responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-dcc-nostyle-button\"><a onclick=\"dataLayer.push({&amp;apos;buttonEvent&amp;apos;: &amp;apos;Information page&amp;apos;});\" class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/devoncc.sharepoint.com\/:b:\/s\/PublicDocs\/Education\/EatMZcsHUT1KhrfjAJ7lwcQBwBxf9ildRaug6AzUUVPL2Q?e=ab6Sur\" rel=\"noopener\">Presentation slides<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Transitions support session: Mental capacity and decision making\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/tofCZO3xtuw?feature=oembed&#038;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"section-bottom-arrow section-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"page-section clearfix text-dark\" id=\"block_acf-block-68764d118941a\"><div class=\"page-inner\"><div class=\"grid-container\"><div class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x align-center\"><div class=\"medium-10 cell\"><div class=\"page-innerblocks\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your questions answered<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-tabs-block\"><ul class=\"accordion\" id=\"block_acf-block-68764d11894cf\" data-responsive-accordion-tabs=\"accordion medium-accordion large-accordion\" data-allow-all-closed=\"true\" data-multi-expand=\"true\"><li id=\"item-68764d11894cf-0\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Who carries out the assessment at 14? How is this requested? <\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>If the young person is already supported by\u202fchildren\u2019s services, they usually carry out the\u202fmental capacity assessment around age 14.<\/p>\n<p>No request is needed\u202fif children\u2019s services are already involved\u2014they will start planning automatically.<\/p>\n<p>If children\u2019s services are\u202fnot involved, but there are concerns about the young person\u2019s ability to make decisions,\u202fschool staff or parents\u202fcan contact the\u202flocal authority\u202ffor advice or support.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-68764d11894cf-1\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Should we be contacted even if there\u2019s no designated social worker? (Disabled Children Targeted Support Team) <\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>If your child is supported by our Disabled Children\u2019s Targeted Support teams we will be aware of your child. Please don\u2019t worry, there is no need to contact us. However, if you are worried you can contact our helpline, where we already know your child or young person.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-68764d11894cf-2\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Can a young person move to adult services in Wales before a best interests meeting if they lack capacity?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW76757358 BCX0\">Before a major change such as a move takes <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW76757358 BCX0\">place<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW76757358 BCX0\"> a best interests decision needs to be made if the young person has been assessed to lack <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW76757358 BCX0\">capacity<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW76757358 BCX0\"> to make it themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW76757358 BCX0\">Decisions can be made in a <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW76757358 BCX0\">best interests<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW76757358 BCX0\"> meeting or by consultation. The legislation does not specifically require a meeting. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW76757358 BCX0\">The best interests process ensures that the advantages and disadvantages of any available options have been thoroughly balanced from the young person&#8217;s point of view. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW76757358 BCX0\">Sometimes, urgent best <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW76757358 BCX0\">int<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW76757358 BCX0\">erests<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW76757358 BCX0\"> decisions need to be made, but a planned transition into a new service should follow a <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW76757358 BCX0\">thorough<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW76757358 BCX0\"> best <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW76757358 BCX0\">interests<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW76757358 BCX0\">decision.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-68764d11894cf-3\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Should the MCA be completed before age 18?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>The Mental Capacity Act is designed to protect the rights and freedoms of young people (16 onwards) and adults who lack the mental capacity to make their own decisions. These safeguards are aimed at promoting the best interests of individuals.<\/p>\n<p>For a young person who lacks capacity and is approaching a significant change at 18 &#8211; where they live, the services they receive &#8211; it is necessary for an assessment of capacity and any best interest&#8217;s decision to be made ahead of the change.<\/p>\n<p>Capacity and best interests&#8217; processes are only effective once there are concrete options to explore so can&#8217;t be done too far ahead.<\/p>\n<p>If, following the best interest&#8217;s decision at 18+ they move into an adult residential care provision registered with CQC, then the new care provider will need to initiate a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) application to the DCC DoLS team. This is the care provider seeking authority to follow a care plan involving significant restrictions on liberty.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-68764d11894cf-4\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">What about lack of capacity due to drug or alcohol use?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>Mental capacity must be time and decision specific. If a young person was unable to make a decision or decisions but to drug or alcohol use, which was impairing their ability, we would need to carefully consider if the decision could be delayed and what support they may require to make a decision.<\/p>\n<p>Where concerns related to decisions where an individual may have capacity but choose to place themselves at risk there are different provisions in place. This may fall under children\u2019s or adult safeguarding depending on age<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-68764d11894cf-5\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">How do we get a capacity assessment at 16 if it wasn\u2019t done at 14? Do assessors understand FASD? <\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>The Council would not complete a mental capacity assessment at 14. Mental capacity assessments start at 16 years of age as the law applies from 16.<\/p>\n<p>Where there is reasonable cause to suspect that a young person lacks capacity to make a decision or decisions, this should be considered by those supporting them to understand what needs to happen next.<\/p>\n<p>In some cases this may lead to a mental capacity assessment, however, we would hope that in most scenario\u2019s those supporting the young person would help them to be make the decisions they need to make. Where this is not possible, a professional can escalate their concerns.<\/p>\n<p>A Mental Capacity Act assessment is only done when a specific decision needs to be made. Assessor\u2019s will have different knowledge and skills. However, please don\u2019t worry, where specific information is needed, this is sought from professionals with the required knowledge with a particular area or with specific expertise.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-68764d11894cf-6\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Do you need a capacity assessment to give a parent power over medical decisions for a young person with ASD?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>The Mental Capacity Act is a legal framework designed to promote the rights of young people and adults. A specific decision about medical treatment may be considered under this framework. However, more general powers to make medical decisions on an individual&#8217;s behalf generally would not be applicable to young people under the age of 18 years<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-68764d11894cf-7\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">What if you\u2019re still waiting for the Disabled Children\u2019s Service to accept your child?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>The safeguards within the Act are vital in supporting the liberty of young people. These ensure that the state, which includes the Local Authority, is not unlawfully depriving a person of their rights. However, where there is no support being provided by the Council the restrictions would not be considered to be the responsibility of the Council.<\/p>\n<p>If you feel that an assessment is necessary due to a young person\u2019s social care needs, this can be requested through our &#8216;front door&#8217;. It is important to remember that you are asking for an assessment by the Council rather than by a specific team. We will consider the right pathway for you to access an assessment, based on your individual needs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-68764d11894cf-8\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">My son has just finished GCSEs and would go to college. He has diagnosed with ASD and DLD. I was wondering whom I could talk to about some problems not about the college but his mental problem, time management, life skills including money and so on. For example, he thinks right and wrong clearly, which is good. However, he sometimes tells bad things, which are better not to tell in a certain situation. I was wondering how I could teach these sort of things. Who could I talk and get some suggestions? <\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>Who to talk to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Speech and language therapist (SLT)\u202f\u2013 especially for DLD, they can help with pragmatic language and social communication.<\/li>\n<li>Educational psychologist\u202f\u2013 can assess social understanding and recommend strategies.<\/li>\n<li>Autism specialist teacher or keyworker\u202f\u2013 often available through the school or college support services.<\/li>\n<li>Devon County Council SEND Team\u202f\u2013 they can guide you to local services for life skills, mentoring, and transition planning.<\/li>\n<li>Your GP\u202f\u2013 can refer you to CAMHS or adult mental health services if needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"page-section clearfix text-dark\" id=\"block_acf-block-68764d118aafe\"><div class=\"page-inner\"><div class=\"grid-container\"><div class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x align-center\"><div class=\"medium-10 cell\"><div class=\"page-innerblocks\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Feedback <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Please take a moment to provide your impressions of our event by <a href=\"https:\/\/forms.office.com\/pages\/responsepage.aspx?id=gzehjWjLP0S7S5l_d_1b-3xuZIjxwu5IgJcveFI537xUMkZGSEtNRU9ENFZYWTRTSldKQlBROE9VMC4u&amp;route=shorturl\" rel=\"noopener\">completing our feedback form<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1801,"featured_media":0,"parent":22667,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-landing.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-69450","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-26 08:13:56","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/69450","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1801"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=69450"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/69450\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":70708,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/69450\/revisions\/70708"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22667"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=69450"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}