This training programme is an introduction to the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and the role of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) specifically designed for professionals working with children and young people (aged 10-25).
This programme aims to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills to understand and apply the principles of the MCA and Human Rights in your daily practice.
Course content
Our CPD-accredited training teaches understanding around essential safeguarding duties and responsibilities.
Content includes:
- Overview of DoLS for children
- National picture and history
- Why we must think about consent
- MCA and DoLS legislation
- How to recognise a deprivation when it is happening
- How to make decisions for children
- How to do a mental capacity assessment.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, participants will be able:
- To gain an understanding of the MCA, its key principles, and how it applies to children and young people.
- To assess the mental capacity of children and young people, ensuring their rights and best interests are always prioritised.
- To identify when a child or young person is experiencing a deprivation of their liberty and the safeguards required to protect them.
- To understand the role of Deprivation of Liberty and available safeguards when working with children and young people.
- To work with children and young people in a rights-based way, upholding their dignity at all times.
- To understand how to centralise the voice of the child while working within the MCA and DoLS.
- To ensure that matters of equity, diversity and inclusion are taken into account when working within the MCA and DoLS.
Who should attend?
This programme is aimed at all professionals who make decisions for children and young people including children’s social workers, police officers, residential support workers, care workers, mental health professionals and many more.
Duration
The course is delivered over one full day divided into two mornings.
Available dates
Thursday, 10 July, 09:30 – Friday, 11 July 2025 12:30 GMT
Book on an in-house course
This is a sample training course outline. It is based on approximately 16 delegates (for online delivery) and 20 delegates (for face-to-face delivery at your premises). The course can be adapted to your organisation’s CPD requirements.