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

2. 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….

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

4. 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?

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

6. 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

7. 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)

8. 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

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

10. 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