This is an issue I’ve been thinking about recently. I’ve had some health issues of my own which have resulted in more interactions with medical professionals than I’d like. No offence is intended to medical professionals and I’m glad they’re there, it’s just that I very much prefer my life when I don’t need toContinue reading “Reflections on informed consent”
Tag Archives: report writing
About face: changing your position during Court of Protection proceedings part 3
This is the third post in a series about changing your mind during Court of Protection proceedings. If you’ve not read parts 1 and 2, feel free to do so. But I’ll briefly recap the scenario too. Essentially, my client was in a care home, suffering from dementia and objecting to her residence there. HerContinue reading “About face: changing your position during Court of Protection proceedings part 3”
About face: changing your position during Court of Protection proceedings – part 2
In this series of posts, I’m exploring how to approach a situation if, during Court of Protection proceedings, the professionals views about what I’d viable or what is in P’s best interests. It happens sometimes, and it’s inconvenient and difficult to navigate. But not impossible to achieve. I’m using an example from my recent casesContinue reading “About face: changing your position during Court of Protection proceedings – part 2”
About face: changing your position during Court of Protection proceedings – part 1
I want to talk about a relatively common occurrence that occurs during Court of Protection proceedings: changing the professional recommendations. In writing this I’ve realised I have a lot to say on this topic so I’ve broken it down into 4 parts. To start us off, I’ll set the scene. In one of my casesContinue reading “About face: changing your position during Court of Protection proceedings – part 1”
An urgent move during Court of Protection proceedings: a how (not) to guide
It is inevitable that sometimes in Court of Protection proceedings, there will be times when a move needs to take place urgently. There are any number of reasons why this might happen: arrangements in the community breakdown, safeguarding issues happen, risks increase and sometimes, a really good placement comes up which will be lost toContinue reading “An urgent move during Court of Protection proceedings: a how (not) to guide”
How the court decides best interests: when it comes down to it
I have broken down the stages of the process of reaching a best interests determination through the Court of Protection in a series of posts on this topic. If you’ve come across this post without reading the previous three posts, then you might want to start at the beginning and work your way through I’llContinue reading “How the court decides best interests: when it comes down to it”
How the court decides on best interests: part 2 What about this?
In part 1 of this series we looked at how to identify the available options, by talking about P and his future residence and care. The court is satisfied that there are currently 3 available options, Blue Care Home, Yellow Cottage supported living and Q’s house (his sister) with care from Pink Care Agency. SoContinue reading “How the court decides on best interests: part 2 What about this?”
How the court decides best interests: part 1 What are my options?
I wanted to offer some practical insights on how the Court of Protection makes decisions about what is in a person’s (always referred to as P) best interests. Because it sounds simple, but it isn’t. And I’ve spoken to so many professionals and family members who are so clear that they are advocating for P’sContinue reading “How the court decides best interests: part 1 What are my options?”
Tips for statement writing: What lawyers really think when they read a statement
I am going to talk today about witness statements, but a lot of these principles will apply to any formal report that is used to evidence reasoning such as assessments for Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, social circumstances reports etc. This is largely aimed at social care professionals, because family members and other ‘lay people’ willContinue reading “Tips for statement writing: What lawyers really think when they read a statement”
Evidence or assumption?
A few months ago I attended a very helpful conference on the Mental Capacity Act 2005 arranged by Switalskis solicitors. Its an annual event, but it was the first time I managed to persuade my employers to pay for some tickets. Amongst the many illuminating talks I attended, the one that stuck with me theContinue reading “Evidence or assumption?”