Recording the decision

To undertake a bests interest decision, it is important to identify what the decision is including what options are available. It is useful to approach the decision by looking at the positives and the negatives to the person of each option. An easy way of doing this is by drawing up a table. Always consider a narrative conclusion regarding the option you have chosen including why you have chosen that option, even if it looks very clear on the table. This can be useful in the event of a dispute as can outlining why there was no less restrictive option.

It’s extremely important to recognise that a list of apparent risks may be outweighed by one single benefit. This is known as the factor of “magnetic importance”.

Always consider a narrative conclusion regarding the option you have chosen including why you have chosen that option, even if it looks very clear on the table. This can be useful in the event of a dispute as can outlining why there was no less restrictive option (MCA 2005 s1 (6).

To undertake a bests interest decision, it is important to identify what the decision is including what options are available. It is useful to approach the decision by looking at the positives and the negatives to the person of each option. An easy way of doing this is by drawing up a table. Always consider a narrative conclusion regarding the option you have chosen including why you have chosen that option, even if it looks very clear on the table. This can be useful in the event of a dispute as can outlining why there was no less restrictive option.

Chapter 5 of the Code of practice sets out further detail in relation to best interests.