If you are 16 years old or more, you can make decisions about your life.
Some people need help to make decisions about their lives, or they might lack capacity to make decisions.
Lack capacity means they can’t make a decision about their lives when the decision needs to be made.
There is a law called the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in England and Wales.
It helps and protects people when they are making decisions.
It says how decisions can be made for people who lack capacity.
It says that people must be given the chance to make their own decisions if they can.
Anyone who works with or cares for a person who lacks capacity must follow this law.
It must be followed for small and big decisions.
The government have made easy read information about the Mental Capacity Act.
Surrey County Council has some information in easy read about the Mental Capacity Act (PDF)
It is important for families to understand that making decisions is different when their child is 16 or older.
Mencap have made a resource pack for family carers of people with a learning disability to help to understand the differences.
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