Every day people make decisions about things in their lives. The ability to make these decisions is called mental capacity. At times, some people have difficulty in making decisions because they lack mental capacity.
This is a new law that will help and support people who have difficulty in making decisions for themselves or who want to plan ahead in case they are unable to make decisions in the future. The Act will safeguard people who lack capacity.
The Mental Capacity Act will affect people who have difficulty in making decisions but also their families, carers, health and social care staff and other people who might have contact with them.
The Welsh Assembly Government and the Department of Constitutional Affairs has provided information in a variety of formats and languages to help people understand the Act and how it can help them.