Aftercare under Section 117 MHA 1983: law and practice (ENGLAND) - 24 June 2025

Aftercare under Section 117 MHA 1983: law and practice (England) 

Aims 

This one day course is aimed at health and social care professionals who are involved in the process of assessing aftercare provision for those who have been detained for treatment under the Mental Health Act 1983. It will cover the meaning and scope of aftercare under s117 MHA, the guidance in the MHA Code of Practice, and practice issues. It will also consider funding, residence and local problems and, through case scenarios and discussion, provide an opportunity to review the aftercare decision-making process.   

Learning outcomes  

By the end of the day attendees will have a detailed understanding of: 

• the provisions of s117 of the MHA 1983 and the guidance in the MHA Code of Practice

• the healthcare/social care split and the respective roles of the local authority and the ICB 

• the relationship between s117 assessments and the Care Act, CPA and continuing health care

• which area has the aftercare responsibility following the

   Worcerstershire

   Supreme Court decision, and

• how to evidence assessments of needs in a way that is appropriate and defensible

Programme

• What is ‘aftercare’ and who gets it?

• Section 117 of the Mental Health Act

• The healthcare/social care split

• Relationship to Care Act assessments and continuing healthcare

• Roles of the local authority and the ICB

• Assessing aftercare needs

• Mental capacity

• When does aftercare begin and end?

• The funding split – LA or ICB?

• Residence – which area pays?

• Dealing with challenges

The course will be delivered by Neil Hickman

Neil Hickman is a specialist mental health lawyer, member of the Law Society Mental Health Panel and has previous experience in family law. Before qualifying as a solicitor, Neil practised as a social worker, team manager and ASW / AMHP for 15 years. 

All Event Bookings must be made online with payment made in full by credit / debit card.  We do not send invoices/use Purchase Order numbers for Event Bookings for NHS delegates.   (This policy does not affect our commissioned bookings)

Course access details will be emailed direct to delegate(s) upon completion of your booking.  

Includes all course materials and a certificate. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to email events@edgetraining.org.uk  or call 07341 277487.