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Implementation of the Mental Health Act 2007

  • Last modified date:
    11 August 2008

The Mental Health Act 2007 received Royal Assent on 19 July 2007.  Current planning is that it will come into effect on 3 November 2008, but some provisions – such as age-appropriate environments and advocacy – will be later so that capacity can be built up.  Some  provisions may commence sooner and section 45 has already been implemented.

DH has engaged the Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP) to plan and carry out the implementation work.  There are five national projects.

  • improving mental health act management and the tribunal system - a report with recommendations was published last year, and implementation work is now being taken forward
  • values-based practice and training in the new legislation - training modules are currently in preparation , and
  • commissioning and providing better advocacy services - guidance is being prepared for advocacy service providers and those who commission advocacy services, and there will also be recommendations on training and qualifications to ensure a consistent and high-quality of service

As well as these five projects, there is a regional lead in each of the eight CSIP regions. Each lead has set up regional implementation networks involving local NHS and social services, as well as service user groups, black and minority ethnic communities and others with a key interest in the Mental Health Act.

Work continues on the code of practice and it and the draft regulations are expected to go out for consultation this autumn.

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