Mental Health Act Assessments : A Carer’s perspective Rebecca Byrne – Amhp Operational Service Manager

Aims and Objectives for today’s presentation : To acknowledge the impact of Mental health Act Assessments on families and carers. Provide information about the provision of AMHP’s in Hertfordshire. To provide an explanation of the responsibilities that AMHP’s hold. To explain about the legal framework of the ‘Nearest Relative’ To answer any questions that Carer’s in Hertfordshire might have….

Introductions Background and Experience as a Social Worker, AMHP and a carer What does the AMHP service look like? Day and Night-time provision

Approved Mental Health Practitioners (AMHP’s) in Hertfordshire Approved Mental Health Practitioners (AMHP’s) in Hertfordshire? Who are they? What is their background? What is their training?

What is the process of requesting a Mental Health Act Assessment in Hertfordshire? AMHP Service for HPFT Safeguarding Out of Hours Service (SOOHS)

What can I expect to take place at a Mental Health Act Assessment? Assessing in a ‘Suitable Manner’ Respect and Dignity Professionally qualified Dr’s and AMHP’s who will act independently from HPFT A team that has considered all of the least restrictive alternatives

What is a Nearest Relative? What responsibilities does an AMHP have to identify the NR and communicate with the NR? What rights do I have as a nearest relative? What If I don’t want to be the Nearest relative (delegation)

What is the criteria for a MHAA? Section 136 (Place of Safety) Section 5(2) and Section 5(4) Section 4 Section 2 Section 3 Section 117

What communication can I expect from an AMHP? Prior to the assessment After the Assessment Subsequent Involvement

What if I’m not happy about the decision? The Nearest Relative rights to request discharge Communicating with the ward and the community Team Making a Complaint