Lucy Series blog looks at Psychiatric detention under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

“Psychiatric detention takes place under the Mental Capacity Act as well as the Mental Health Act 1983, but with weaker procedural safeguards”

“The review of the Mental Health Act proposes shunting certain populations into detention under the Mental Capacity Act instead”

“Reforms to the Mental Capacity Act will weaken safeguards for psychiatric detention even further”

“Psychiatric detention under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 mainly affects people with dementia and learning disabilities”

“Independent assessments not infrequently reveal that the criteria for psychiatric detention under DoLS are not met”

And worryingly for some:

“Current and proposed reforms to mental health and capacity laws will weaken safeguards and support for thousands of people with dementia or learning disabilities in psychiatric settings”

Read the full article here