Decision-making and mental capacity

In law, young people aged 16 or over are presumed to have the ability to make their own decisions. This includes certain decisions relating to their education or medical treatment.

Once a young person turns 16, services will normally engage with them directly, rather than with their parents. However, you should continue to be involved in discussions about your child’s future.

You can also continue to support your child by attending meetings, filling in forms or dealing with correspondence on their behalf, if they are happy for you to do this. You retain parental responsibility for your child until they reach the age of 18.