22 January 2019 We write as a coalition of national charities who work with and advocate on behalf of people with dementia, learning disability, autism, acquired brain injury and mental health concerns. Collectively our organisations support and advocate for some of the most vulnerable people in society. As such, it is with dismay that we note the lack of improvement within the Mental Capacity (Amendment) Bill. The Bill has been criticised in the House of Lords, and by human rights NGOs, service providers, academics and national mental health and capacity organisations. Time is of the essence, as the Bill continues to progress through parliament. The Bill aims to replace current Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) with an entirely unfit new system of protection. To avoid the risk of exploitation and abuse it is vital that there are robust safeguards in place. These safeguards should ensure those who lack the mental capacity to consent to their care arrangements have their f…

This post was originally published on British Institute of Human Rights News .