Capacity assessments must consider more than generic information. This Court of Protection judgment shows why assessors must identify the real-world consequences of a decision, including risks to care, treatment, accommodation and family advocacy. It is a reminder that expert evidence must answer the correct legal question, not just describe clinical presentation.

On 2 June 2026, the Challenging Behaviour Foundation published its response to the Supreme Court judgment on deprivation of liberty. For social workers, this is not a remote legal issue. It goes directly to how we understand liberty, consent, restriction, safeguarding and human rights in the lives of disabled people. The judgment concerns a Supreme Court reference brought by the Attorney General for Northern Ireland about deprivation of liberty, mental capacity and whether a

The Nellie Standard is the framework behind how Nellie Supports approaches assessment, reporting, advocacy, and evidential work. Built around clear reasoning, visible evidence, independence, and scrutiny, it sets out the standard we believe professional work should meet before families, solicitors, deputies, local authorities, NHS bodies, tribunals, or courts are asked to rely on it

A mental capacity assessment does not always have to be completed by a doctor. This guide explains who can assess capacity, why the Mental Capacity Act test is functional and decision-specific, and when a social worker or specialist assessor may be better suited.

Louise is a qualified and registered Social Worker with a master’s degree in international human rights. Louise has worked with adults and older people since 2002 in varied social care roles including as a university lecturer program lead. Louise currently supports students from Oxford Brookes university as a practice educator. Louise is an emphatic but professional and will strive to achieve the very best for all stakeholders.