Information in this section has split into two categories: resources to assist you in understanding adolescence and resources relating to the mental capacity act and best interest decision making.
As children develop into adolescence, most will experience an increasing desire for independence (possibly at a time when they are feeling more vulnerable and requiring more medical intervention). Resources below may help increase understanding and support engagement with young people experiencing adolescence.
Adolescence (Psychology Today) Article providing a definition of adolescence along with tips for parents on talking to teens and a brief overview of how mental health can change during adolescence.
Adolescent Development (Youth.gov) Detailed overview with links to videos addressing different topics relating to adolescent development and what may be most helpful to young people experiencing this transition.
How to Allow Independence and Still Keep Your Teen Close (verywellfamily.com) Article that may be helpful in helping you understand some of the behaviours relating to adolescence and tips on how to manage.
Support Teens to Manage a Chronic Illness (parentandteen.com) Article from the Center for Parent and Teen Communication, based within the Division of Adolescent Medicine at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The website also has more information and resources for communicating with young people.
Psychological Complications of Chronic Illness - University of Rochester Medical Center
12-15 Years | School Mental Health (hacw.nhs.uk) Adolescence and emotional wellbeing resources.
The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) applies to people aged 16 and over and is designed to protect and empower people who may lack the mental capacity to make their own decisions about their care and treatment. If someone lacks the capacity to make a decision and the decision needs to be made for them, the MCA states the decision must be made in their best interests.
In certain cases an individual who lacks capacity may need to be deprived of their libery in order to enable their care or treatment. Liberty Protection Safeguards have been designed to put the rights and wishes of these people at the centre of all decision making on deprivation of liberty. For more information please see Liberty Protection Safeguards: what they are - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
MASMC – MASMC (myadultstillmychild.co.uk) A guide for parents/carers of adults (16+) who may not be able to make decisions.
What is The Mental Capacity Act? (Mencap) Mencap provides an easy to use interactive guide to the Mental Capacity Act for parents and carers of people with a Learning Disability.
The Mental Capacity Act - Together for Short Lives A Factsheet with information for parents/carers of young people who are aged 16 or older about changes in the law as they approach adulthood.
Compassion in Dying: Website with information on the Mental Capacity Act are more.
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Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice (www.gov.uk) Gov webpage hosting a PDF Code of Practice. Provides guidance for decisions made under the Mental Capacity Act 2005
Advocacy: Onside, Worcestershire & Herefordshire (onside-advocacy.org.uk) Onside website: Provides a range of advocacy services (mostly for adults) across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
