The Mental Health Act 2007 received Royal Assent on 19 July 2007. It amends the Mental Health Act 1983. It also extends the rights of victims by amending the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 and introduces deprivation of liberty safeguards by amending the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005.
The Mental Health Act 1983 primarily deals with the detention in hospital of people with mental disorders, as well as other compulsory measures including guardianship and supervised community treatment. It sets out the criteria that must be met before compulsory measures can be taken, along with protections and safeguards for patients.

Policy information and advice for professionals.