Legal acts

Legislation affecting Adults' Social Care services and service users

Mental Capacity Act 2005

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 is designed to protect people who cannot make decisions for themselves or lack the mental capacity to do so.

A person may have difficulties making some decisions either all or some of the time. This could be because of a range of reasons including a learning disability, dementia, a mental health problem, a brain injury or alcohol or drug abuse.

Mental Health Act 2007

The Mental Health Act says how you can be treated if you have a mental disorder, and makes clear what your rights are.