The Best Interests Assessor Practice Handbook

Description

The Best Interests Assessor (BIA) Practice Handbook is firmly grounded in real-life practice and remains the only textbook focusing directly on the BIA role. Offering clear and practical advice on the legal elements of the role, and the values and practice elements of working within the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) framework, this is essential reading for BIA students and practitioners. This fully-updated edition takes account of recent legislative changes, including the planned changes from the Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS), recent case law and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on BIA practice. Packed with advice on delivering effective, person-centred, rights-driven practice, it includes: * case studies; * legal summaries; * decision-making activities; * CPD support; * examples of new case law in practice. Looking forward, the book considers the new context for practice in the Approved Mental Capacity Professional (AMCP) role within the LPS and the potential roles that BIAs might fulfil in this new framework in the future.

Rachel Hubbard is Senior Lecturer in Social Work at UWE Bristol, social work CPD Programme Leader, module leader for their BIA qualifying module and a registered and experienced social worker and BIA. Kevin Stone is an Associate Professor and Lead Social Worker at the University of Plymouth. He is a registered social worker, practising Approved Mental Health Professional, qualified BIA and previously a university AMHP programme leader.

"...provides an excellent introduction for BIA students, with many areas for critical reflection and development for more experienced practitioners... particularly helpful in articulating and championing the potential for BIAs to improve the daily experience of people receiving care" Social Work Education "This is a solid, practical text... this handbook draws together an impressive range of material, providing some in-depth discussion, yet practical guidance on the role of the BIA..." The British Journal of Social Work "Practitioners will relish a textbook so firmly grounded in real life practice. A most readable, attractive and engaging guide written by people who clearly know what they are talking about." Dr Robert Johns, University of East London "This handbook is long overdue. It explains the role of the BIA and provides some helpful hints and pointers. I would recommend it to both practitioners and students." Tamsin Waterhouse, University of Birmingham "This excellent handbook will become a well-used resource for BIA practitioners and students." Tanya Moore, The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust