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Working Together To Safeguard Children 2026 Update.

The Mental Health Act 2025 Reforms.

Wokingham Borough Council Procedures, Practice Guidance and Tools for Adult Social Care

Contents

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1.The Care Act 2014 Resource

1.0.1The Care Act 2014 Resource

2.The Mental Capacity Act 2005 Resource and Practice Toolkit

2.0.1The Mental Capacity Act 2005 Resource and Practice Toolkit

3.Safeguarding Adults

3.0.1Safeguarding AdultsOctober 28, 2025

4.Deprivation of Liberty

4.0.1Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards ProcedureOctober 28, 2025
4.0.2Recognising and Responding to Deprivations of LibertyApril 3, 2025

5.Universal Procedures (used by all teams)

5.0.1Equality, Diversity and Human RightsOctober 28, 2025
5.0.2Recording and Keeping RecordsOctober 28, 2025
5.0.3Providing Information about a Person or CarerOctober 28, 2025
5.0.4Professional CuriosityOctober 28, 2025
5.0.5Financial AssessmentOctober 28, 2025
5.0.6Commissioning and Brokerage ProceduresMay 10, 2023
5.0.7Direct PaymentsOctober 28, 2025
5.0.8Risk AssessmentOctober 28, 2025
5.0.9Lone WorkingMay 10, 2023
5.0.10Joint WorkNovember 3, 2021
5.0.11Co-productionOctober 28, 2025
5.0.12Social Media (use of)October 28, 2025
5.0.13Storage of Data on Practitioners' Mobile DevicesOctober 28, 2025
5.0.14Interpreter and Translation ServicesOctober 28, 2025
5.0.15Death of a Person or CarerOctober 28, 2024

6.Specialist Procedures

6.0.1Individual Service FundsMay 10, 2023
6.0.2Deputyship and Financial AffairsApril 3, 2025
6.0.3Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Spaces) ProcedureApril 3, 2025
6.0.4Housing and HomelessnessOctober 28, 2025
6.0.5Minor Works and Low Level EquipmentMay 10, 2023
6.0.6Joint Packages of Health and Social CareApril 3, 2025
6.0.7NHS Continuing Healthcare ProcedureOctober 28, 2025
6.0.8NHS-funded Nursing Care Procedure (FNC)October 28, 2024
6.0.9End of Life Procedures and Practice GuidanceOctober 28, 2025
6.0.10Legal ServicesMay 10, 2023
6.0.11Ordinary Residence ProcedureApril 3, 2024
6.0.12Continuity of Care ArrangementsOctober 28, 2024
6.0.13Cross Border PlacementsOctober 28, 2024
6.0.14Protecting Moveable PropertyOctober 28, 2025
6.0.15Service Interruptions and Provider FailureApril 3, 2024
6.0.16No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)October 28, 2025
6.0.17Prisons and Approved PremisesOctober 28, 2025
6.0.18Acting as an Appropriate AdultOctober 28, 2025
6.0.19Working Effectively with Parents and Children's ServicesOctober 28, 2025

7.Duty Short Term (including Independent Brokers)

7.1Contact and Referral

7.1.1Receiving a Contact or ReferralOctober 28, 2025
7.1.2Deciding the Outcome of a Contact or Referral (Duty Short Term)October 28, 2025
7.1.3Actions and Next StepsOctober 28, 2025

7.2Establishing Needs

7.2.1Introduction, Legal Requirements and ToolsOctober 28, 2024
7.2.2Preparing to Establish NeedsApril 3, 2025
7.2.3The Skilled ConversationOctober 28, 2025
7.2.4Agreeing Needs and Making a Formal RecordMay 10, 2023
7.2.5Understanding and Applying Eligibility CriteriaOctober 28, 2025
7.2.6Communicating the Outcome and Next StepsOctober 28, 2025

7.3Meeting Needs

7.3.1Establishing Ordinary ResidenceApril 3, 2025
7.3.2Requesting a Financial AssessmentApril 3, 2024
7.3.3Setting an Indicative BudgetOctober 28, 2024
7.3.4Care and Support PlanningOctober 28, 2025
7.3.5Signing Off a Care and Support Plan and Agreeing a Final Personal BudgetOctober 28, 2024
7.3.6Arranging Support and ServicesOctober 28, 2024

7.4Reviewing Support and Services

7.4.1Legal Requirements of a Care and Support Plan Review and ToolsOctober 28, 2024
7.4.2Preparing to Carry out a Care and Support Plan ReviewApril 3, 2025
7.4.3The Review ConversationOctober 28, 2025
7.4.4Deciding the Outcome of a Care and Support Plan Review and Making a Formal RecordOctober 28, 2024
7.4.5Actions Following a Care and Support Plan ReviewOctober 28, 2025
7.4.6Monitoring Urgent or Interim Support and ServicesOctober 28, 2024
7.4.7Review of a Direct Payment

8.Social Work Assessment Team

8.1Contact and Referral

8.1.1Receiving a Contact or ReferralOctober 28, 2025
8.1.2Deciding the Outcome of a Contact or ReferralOctober 28, 2025
8.1.3Actions and Next StepsOctober 28, 2025

8.2Establishing Needs

8.2.1Introduction, Legal Requirements and ToolsOctober 28, 2024
8.2.2Preparing to Establish NeedsApril 3, 2025
8.2.3The Skilled ConversationOctober 28, 2025
8.2.4Agreeing Needs and Making a Formal RecordMay 10, 2023
8.2.5Understanding and Applying Eligibility CriteriaOctober 28, 2025
8.2.6Communicating the Outcome and Next StepsOctober 28, 2025

8.3Meeting Needs

8.3.1Establishing Ordinary ResidenceApril 3, 2025
8.3.2Requesting a Financial AssessmentApril 3, 2024
8.3.3Setting an Indicative BudgetOctober 28, 2024
8.3.4Care and Support PlanningOctober 28, 2025
8.3.5Signing Off a Care and Support Plan and Agreeing a Final Personal BudgetOctober 28, 2024
8.3.6Arranging Support and ServicesOctober 28, 2024

8.4Reviewing Support and Services

8.4.1Legal Requirements of a Care and Support Plan Review and ToolsOctober 28, 2024
8.4.2Preparing to Carry out a Care and Support Plan ReviewApril 3, 2025
8.4.3The Review ConversationOctober 28, 2025
8.4.4Deciding the Outcome of a Care and Support Plan Review and Making a Formal RecordOctober 28, 2024
8.4.5Actions Following a Care and Support Plan ReviewOctober 28, 2025
8.4.6Monitoring Urgent or Interim Support and ServicesOctober 28, 2024
8.4.7Reviewing a Direct Payment

9.Hospital Liaison Team

9.1Contact and Referral

9.1.1Receiving a Contact or ReferralOctober 28, 2025
9.1.2Deciding the Outcome of a Contact or Referral (HLT)October 28, 2025
9.1.3Actions and Next StepsOctober 28, 2025

9.2Discharge to Assess (Home First)

9.2.1Discharge to Assess (Home First)April 3, 2024
9.2.2Monitoring Urgent or Interim Support and ServicesOctober 28, 2024

9.3Establishing Needs

9.3.1Introduction, Legal Requirements and ToolsOctober 28, 2024
9.3.2Preparing to Establish NeedsApril 3, 2025
9.3.3The Skilled ConversationOctober 28, 2025
9.3.4Agreeing Needs and Making a Formal RecordMay 10, 2023
9.3.5Understanding and Applying Eligibility CriteriaOctober 28, 2025
9.3.6Communicating the Outcome and Next StepsOctober 28, 2025

9.4Meeting Needs

9.4.1Establishing Ordinary ResidenceApril 3, 2025
9.4.2Requesting a Financial AssessmentApril 3, 2024
9.4.3Setting an Indicative BudgetOctober 28, 2024
9.4.4Care and Support PlanningOctober 28, 2025
9.4.5Signing Off a Care and Support Plan and Agreeing a Final Personal BudgetOctober 28, 2024
9.4.6Arranging Support and ServicesOctober 28, 2024

9.5Reviewing Support and Services

9.5.1Legal Requirements of a Care and Support Plan Review and ToolsOctober 28, 2024
9.5.2Preparing to Carry out a Care and Support Plan ReviewApril 3, 2025
9.5.3The Review ConversationOctober 28, 2025
9.5.4Deciding the Outcome of a Care and Support Plan Review and Making a Formal RecordOctober 28, 2024
9.5.5Actions Following a Care and Support Plan ReviewOctober 28, 2025
9.5.6Reviewing a Direct Payment

10.CHC/S117 Service

10.0.1Receiving a ContactMay 10, 2023
10.0.2NHS Continuing Healthcare ProcedureOctober 28, 2025
10.0.3Section 117 AftercareOctober 28, 2024

11.Duty Long Term

11.0.1Receiving a ContactMay 10, 2023
11.0.2Deciding the Outcome of a ContactOctober 28, 2025
11.0.3Actions and Next StepsOctober 28, 2025

12.Technology Enabled Care

12.0.1Technology Enabled CareOctober 28, 2025

13.Occupational Therapy

13.1Contact and Referral

13.1.1Receiving a Contact or ReferralOctober 28, 2025
13.1.2Deciding the Outcome of a Contact or Referral (Occupational Therapy)October 28, 2025
13.1.3Actions and Next StepsOctober 28, 2025

13.2Establishing Needs

13.2.1Introduction, Legal Requirements and Tools (Occupational Therapy)October 28, 2024
13.2.2Preparing to Establish Needs (Occupational Therapy)October 28, 2025
13.2.3The Skilled Conversation (Occupational Therapy)October 28, 2025
13.2.4Agreeing Needs, Making a Formal Record and Next Steps (Occupational Therapy)October 28, 2024
13.2.5Establishing Likely Eligibility for a Disabled Facilities GrantOctober 27, 2023
13.2.6Understanding and Applying Eligibility Criteria (Occupational Therapy)October 28, 2025
13.2.7Communicating the Outcome and Next Steps (Occupational Therapy)October 28, 2025

13.3Meeting Needs

13.3.1Establishing Ordinary Residence (Occupational Therapy)May 10, 2023
13.3.2Requesting a Financial AssessmentApril 3, 2024
13.3.3Applying for a Disabled Facilities GrantApril 3, 2024
13.3.4The Outcome of the Disabled Facilities Grant Application and Next StepsNovember 3, 2021
13.3.5Providing EquipmentOctober 28, 2024
13.3.6Equipment in a Care HomeOctober 28, 2024
13.3.7Providing Direct SupportOctober 28, 2024

13.4Monitoring and Review

13.4.1Monitoring and ReviewOctober 28, 2025

14.Sensory Needs Team

14.1Contact and Referral

14.1.1Receiving a Contact or ReferralOctober 28, 2025
14.1.2Deciding the Outcome of a Contact or ReferralOctober 28, 2025
14.1.3Actions and Next StepsOctober 28, 2025

14.2Establishing Needs

14.2.1Introduction, Legal Requirements and ToolsOctober 28, 2024
14.2.2Preparing to Establish NeedsApril 3, 2025
14.2.3The Skilled ConversationOctober 28, 2025
14.2.4Agreeing Needs and Making a Formal RecordMay 10, 2023
14.2.5Understanding and Applying Eligibility CriteriaOctober 28, 2025
14.2.6Communicating the Outcome and Next StepsOctober 28, 2025

14.3Meeting Needs

14.3.1Establishing Ordinary ResidenceApril 3, 2025
14.3.2Requesting a Financial AssessmentApril 3, 2024
14.3.3Setting an Indicative BudgetOctober 28, 2024
14.3.4Care and Support PlanningOctober 28, 2025
14.3.5Signing Off a Care and Support Plan and Agreeing a Final Personal BudgetOctober 28, 2024
14.3.6Arranging Support and ServicesOctober 28, 2024

14.4Reviewing Support and Services

14.4.1Legal Requirements of a Care and Support Plan Review and ToolsOctober 28, 2024
14.4.2Preparing to Carry out a Care and Support Plan ReviewApril 3, 2025
14.4.3The Review ConversationOctober 28, 2025
14.4.4Deciding the Outcome of a Care and Support Plan Review and Making a Formal RecordOctober 28, 2024
14.4.5Actions Following a Care and Support Plan ReviewOctober 28, 2025
14.4.6Monitoring Urgent or Interim Support and ServicesOctober 28, 2024
14.4.7Reviewing a Direct Payment

15.Review Team

15.1Contact and Review Requests

15.1.1Receiving a Contact or Review RequestApril 12, 2022
15.1.2Deciding the Outcome of a Contact or Review RequestOctober 28, 2025
15.1.3Actions and Next StepsOctober 28, 2025

15.2Reviewing Support and Services

15.2.1Legal Requirements of a Care and Support Plan Review and ToolsOctober 28, 2024
15.2.2Preparing to Carry out a Care and Support Plan ReviewApril 3, 2025
15.2.3The Review ConversationOctober 28, 2025
15.2.4Deciding the Outcome of a Care and Support Plan Review and Making a Formal RecordOctober 28, 2024
15.2.5Actions Following a Care and Support Plan ReviewOctober 28, 2025
15.2.6Monitoring Urgent or Interim Support and ServicesOctober 28, 2024
15.2.7Reviewing a Direct Payment

15.3Establishing Needs

15.3.1Introduction, Legal Requirements and ToolsOctober 28, 2024
15.3.2Preparing to Establish NeedsApril 3, 2025
15.3.3The Skilled ConversationOctober 28, 2025
15.3.4Agreeing Needs and Making a Formal RecordMay 10, 2023
15.3.5Understanding and Applying Eligibility CriteriaOctober 28, 2025
15.3.6Communicating the Outcome and Next StepsOctober 28, 2025

15.4Meeting Needs

15.4.1Requesting a Financial AssessmentApril 3, 2024
15.4.2Setting an Indicative BudgetOctober 28, 2024
15.4.3Care and Support PlanningOctober 28, 2025
15.4.4Signing Off a Care and Support Plan and Agreeing a Final Personal BudgetOctober 28, 2024
15.4.5Arranging Support and ServicesOctober 28, 2024

16.Preparing for Adulthood Team

16.1Children's Procedures

16.1.1Children's Procedures

16.2Deciding Whether to Start Transition

16.2.1Deciding Whether to Start TransitionOctober 27, 2023
16.2.2Deciding Whether to Start Carers TransitionNovember 3, 2021
16.2.3Recording the Decision and Next StepsNovember 3, 2021

16.3Child's Needs Assessment

16.3.1Introduction, Legal Requirements and Tools (Child's Needs Assessment)October 28, 2024
16.3.2Preparing to Establish Needs (Child's Needs Assessment)October 28, 2024
16.3.3The Skilled Conversation (Child's Needs Assessment)October 28, 2025
16.3.4Agreeing Needs, Making a Formal Record and Next Steps (Child's Needs Assessment)October 27, 2023

16.4Carer's Transition Assessments

16.4.1Introduction, Legal Requirements and Tools (Carer's Transition)October 28, 2024
16.4.2Preparing to Establish the Needs of Parent CarersOctober 28, 2024
16.4.3Preparing to Establish the Needs of Young CarersOctober 28, 2024
16.4.4The Skilled Conversation (Parent Carers)September 27, 2021
16.4.5The Skilled Conversation (Young Carers)October 28, 2025
16.4.6Agreeing Needs, Making a Formal Record and Next Steps (Carer's Transition)October 28, 2024

16.5Transition Planning and Review

16.5.1Setting an Indicative Budget (Transition to Adult Care and Support)November 9, 2021
16.5.2The Transition PlanApril 3, 2024
16.5.3Reviewing a Transition PlanOctober 28, 2024
16.5.4Reviewing an Education, Health and Care Plan (from 18 years)October 28, 2025

16.6Contacts from Adults

16.6.1Receiving a ContactMay 10, 2023
16.6.2Deciding the Outcome of a ContactOctober 28, 2025
16.6.3Actions and Next StepsOctober 28, 2025

16.7Establishing Adult Needs

16.7.1Introduction, Legal Requirements and ToolsOctober 28, 2024
16.7.2Preparing to Establish NeedsApril 3, 2025
16.7.3The Skilled ConversationOctober 28, 2025
16.7.4Agreeing Needs and Making a Formal RecordMay 10, 2023
16.7.5Understanding and Applying Eligibility CriteriaOctober 28, 2025
16.7.6Communicating the Outcome and Next StepsOctober 28, 2025

16.8Meeting Adult Needs

16.8.1Establishing Ordinary ResidenceApril 3, 2025
16.8.2Requesting a Financial AssessmentApril 3, 2024
16.8.3Setting an Indicative BudgetOctober 28, 2024
16.8.4Care and Support PlanningOctober 28, 2025
16.8.5Signing Off a Care and Support Plan and Agreeing a Final Personal BudgetOctober 28, 2024
16.8.6Arranging Support and ServicesOctober 28, 2024

16.9Reviewing a Care and Support Plan

16.9.1Legal Requirements of a Care and Support Plan Review and ToolsOctober 28, 2024
16.9.2Preparing to Carry out a Care and Support Plan ReviewApril 3, 2025
16.9.3The Review ConversationOctober 28, 2025
16.9.4Deciding the Outcome of a Care and Support Plan Review and Making a Formal RecordOctober 28, 2024
16.9.5Actions Following a Care and Support Plan ReviewOctober 28, 2025
16.9.6Monitoring Urgent or Interim Support and ServicesOctober 28, 2024
16.9.7Reviewing a Direct Payment

17.Community Mental Health Team

17.1Contact and Referral

17.1.1How to Access Mental Health Social WorkMay 10, 2023
17.1.2Receiving a Contact or ReferralOctober 28, 2025
17.1.3Contact and Referral Adult Care and Support ProceduresOctober 28, 2025

17.2Establishing Needs

17.2.1Introduction, Legal Requirements and ToolsOctober 28, 2024
17.2.2Preparing to Establish NeedsApril 3, 2025
17.2.3The Skilled ConversationOctober 28, 2025
17.2.4Agreeing Needs and Making a Formal RecordMay 10, 2023
17.2.5Understanding and Applying Eligibility CriteriaOctober 28, 2025
17.2.6Communicating the Outcome and Next StepsOctober 28, 2025

17.3Meeting Needs

17.3.1Establishing Ordinary ResidenceApril 3, 2025
17.3.2Requesting a Financial AssessmentApril 3, 2024
17.3.3Setting an Indicative BudgetOctober 28, 2024
17.3.4Care and Support PlanningOctober 28, 2025
17.3.5Signing Off a Care and Support Plan and Agreeing a Final Personal BudgetOctober 28, 2024
17.3.6Arranging Support and ServicesOctober 28, 2024

17.4Reviewing Support and Services

17.4.1Legal Requirements of a Care and Support Plan Review and ToolsOctober 28, 2024
17.4.2Preparing to Carry out a Care and Support Plan ReviewApril 3, 2025
17.4.3The Review ConversationOctober 28, 2025
17.4.4Deciding the Outcome of a Care and Support Plan Review and Making a Formal RecordOctober 28, 2024
17.4.5Actions Following a Care and Support Plan ReviewOctober 28, 2025
17.4.6Monitoring Urgent or Interim Support and ServicesOctober 28, 2024
17.4.7Reviewing a Direct Payment

17.5Functions under the Mental Health Act

17.5.1Understanding the Mental Health Act 1983April 3, 2025
17.5.2Community Mental Health FrameworkOctober 27, 2023
17.5.3Social Circumstances ReportOctober 28, 2024
17.5.4Section 117 AftercareOctober 28, 2024

18.Community Older Adult Mental Health Service

18.1Contact and Referral

18.1.1How to Access Mental Health Social WorkMay 10, 2023
18.1.2Receiving a Contact or ReferralOctober 28, 2025
18.1.3Contact and Referral Adult Care and Support ProceduresOctober 28, 2025

18.2Establishing Needs

18.2.1Introduction, Legal Requirements and ToolsOctober 28, 2024
18.2.2Preparing to Establish NeedsApril 3, 2025
18.2.3The Skilled ConversationOctober 28, 2025
18.2.4Agreeing Needs and Making a Formal RecordMay 10, 2023
18.2.5Understanding and Applying Eligibility CriteriaOctober 28, 2025
18.2.6Communicating the Outcome and Next StepsOctober 28, 2025

18.3Meeting Needs

18.3.1Establishing Ordinary ResidenceApril 3, 2025
18.3.2Requesting a Financial AssessmentApril 3, 2024
18.3.3Setting an Indicative BudgetOctober 28, 2024
18.3.4Care and Support PlanningOctober 28, 2025
18.3.5Signing Off a Care and Support Plan and Agreeing a Final Personal BudgetOctober 28, 2024
18.3.6Arranging Support and ServicesOctober 28, 2024

18.4Reviewing Support and Services

18.4.1Legal Requirements of a Care and Support Plan Review and ToolsOctober 28, 2024
18.4.2Preparing to Carry out a Care and Support Plan ReviewApril 3, 2025
18.4.3The Review ConversationOctober 28, 2025
18.4.4Deciding the Outcome of a Care and Support Plan Review and Making a Formal RecordOctober 28, 2024
18.4.5Actions Following a Care and Support Plan ReviewOctober 28, 2025
18.4.6Monitoring Urgent or Interim Support and ServicesOctober 28, 2024
18.4.7Reviewing a Direct Payment

18.5Functions under the Mental Health Act

18.5.1Understanding the Mental Health Act 1983April 3, 2025
18.5.2Community Mental Health FrameworkOctober 27, 2023
18.5.3Social Circumstances ReportOctober 28, 2024
18.5.4Section 117 AftercareOctober 28, 2024

19.AMHP Procedure

19.0.1AMHP ProcedureApril 3, 2025

20.The Care Quality Team

20.0.1The Care Quality TeamMay 30, 2023

21.Other Adult Social Care Teams

21.0.1Financial Assessment and PaymentsMay 10, 2023
21.0.2AdministrationMay 10, 2023
21.0.3Practice DevelopmentMay 10, 2023
21.0.4ASC Learning and DevelopmentMay 10, 2023

22.Carers Procedures

22.1Contact and Referral

22.1.1Receiving a Contact or ReferralOctober 28, 2025
22.1.2Deciding the Outcome of a Contact or Referral (Carers)October 28, 2025
22.1.3Actions and Next Steps (Carers)October 28, 2025

22.2Establishing Needs

22.2.1Introduction, Legal Requirements and Tools (Carers)October 28, 2024
22.2.2Preparing to Establish Needs (Carers)October 28, 2024
22.2.3The Skilled Conversation (Carers)October 28, 2025
22.2.4Agreeing Needs and Making a Formal Record (Carers)April 12, 2022
22.2.5Understanding and Applying Eligibility Criteria (Carers)October 28, 2025
22.2.6Communicating the Outcome and Next Steps (Carers)October 28, 2025

22.3Meeting Needs

22.3.1Establishing Ordinary ResidenceApril 3, 2025
22.3.2Requesting a Financial AssessmentApril 3, 2024
22.3.3Setting an Indicative BudgetOctober 28, 2024
22.3.4Support PlanningOctober 28, 2025
22.3.5Signing off a Support Plan and Agreeing a Final Personal BudgetOctober 28, 2024
22.3.6Arranging Support and ServicesOctober 28, 2024

22.4Reviewing Support and Services

22.4.1Legal Requirements of a Support Plan Review and ToolsOctober 28, 2024
22.4.2Preparing to Carry out a Support Plan ReviewOctober 28, 2024
22.4.3The Review Conversation (Carers)October 28, 2025
22.4.4Deciding the Outcome of a Support Plan Review and Making a Formal RecordNovember 3, 2021
22.4.5Actions Following a Support Plan ReviewOctober 28, 2025
22.4.6Monitoring Urgent or Interim Support and ServicesOctober 28, 2024
22.4.7Reviewing a Direct Payment

Last Updated: February 18, 2026

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