Social Work Perspectives on Mental Capacity Act Decision Making

This thesis is based on a study that examined the perspectives of 17 social workers based in adult social care settings, carrying out MCA assessments and Best Interests decision making with people who have YOD. The findings from the research study reveal how social workers use the MCA to make decisions. Highlighted in the findings is a typology of the approaches social workers use in their MCA decision making, consisting of procedural, medicalised, creative, shared, positive risk and rights-based approaches. The findings also reveal the processes that social workers engage in as part of their MCA decision making, the contextual factors which shape social worker decision making and the nature of collaborative practice between social workers and other professionals, family members, carers and community organisations. The conclusions of this thesis highlight the complex nature of MCA decision making for social workers in their practice with people with YOD as well as recognising the importance of social worker cognisance with risk issues and promoting the rights of people as part of their MCA work.