Mental capacity, intimate relationships and adult safeguarding: Frontline Briefing (2022)
Introduction
Safeguarding adults who may be experiencing abuse or neglect in emotionally or physically close relationships can present practitioners with complex ethical and decision-making challenges. This frontline briefing explores the law in the context of supporting adults who have care and support needs with intimate relationships, where there are also concerns about abuse or neglect.
The briefing focuses predominantly on the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA), as the key piece of legislation underpinning this area that practitioners need to understand when supporting people with the broader aspects of interpersonal and intimate relationships as well as sex. It also considers the intersection between the MCA and criminal law.
Professional Standards
PQS:KSS - Safeguarding | Mental capacity | Direct work with individuals and families | Person-centred practice | Developing confident and capable social workers | Assuring good social work practice and development | Promoting and supporting critical analysis and decision-making
CQC - Safe | Effective
PCF - Rights, justice and economic wellbeing | Diversity and equality | Values and ethics | Critical reflection and analysis
RCOT - Understanding relationship | Service users | Collaborative
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Mental Capacity Act 2005 decision-making – care, support and treatment: Practice Tool (2021)
This Practice Tool aims to support the practical application of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 across health and social care. It provides information about the legislative context alongside practice examples and tools that can be used by practitioners when working with people who may lack capacity.
Supporting people with learning disabilities to have positive sexual relationships: Frontline Briefing (2017)
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