Mental Health Officer (MHO)
Mental Health Officers are Social Workers who have completed specialist training to enable them to carry out the statutory service for the Highland Council prescribed under legislation including the Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (The Act) and the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 (AWIA).
Mental Health Officers have a duty under The Act to consent to formal admissions to hospital and make applications for the same. They also provide reports for Welfare Guardianship applications under AWIA legislation and give advice in relation to legislation for “adults at risk” (Adult Support & Protection (Scotland) Act 2007).
Mental Health Officers are available to provide advice, information and support to professionals working in mental health and other services in relation primarily to the following legislation:
- Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
- Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
- Adult Support & Protection (Scotland) Act 2007
- Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 where it interacts with mental health legislation
MHOs also provide information, advice and support to service users, carers, friends, and family.
MHOs recognise the importance of early intervention, supportive relationships, recovery, inclusion in the community, productive lives and treating each individual and their carers with dignity and respect. The MHO’s assessment embraces diversity and confidentiality and strives to work with people’s strengths.
Mental Health Officers not only apply the appropriate legislation and adhere to the Principles of the Act, but also apply social work values. The Mental Health Officers recognise the importance of early intervention, supportive relationships, recovery, inclusion in the community, productive lives and treating each individual and their carers with dignity and respect. The Mental Health Officer’s assessment embraces diversity and confidentiality, and strives to work in partnership with all those who come into contact with the service.
If you are concerned that your care and treatment is not in line with what the law states you can contact the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland.
Forms to be completed by NHS Highland and NHS Highland staff are also available on the Scottish Government site.