Section 117 of the Mental Health Act (MHA) 1983, relates to after-care and imposes duties on the Health Authority and Local Authority to plan and provide such aftercare.
Section 117 applies to those subject to the following sections of the MHA 1983:-
- Section 3-compulsory admission to hospital for treatment
- Section 37-detention in psychiatric hospital under a court order
- Section 45A-detention in hospital under a court order
- Section 47-under a transfer to hospital from prison
- Section 48-under a transfer to hospital to prison
- Section 17-where there is a requirement to live in residential accommodation
- Section 17A-Community Treatment Orders
Patients detained under section 2, 4, 5 or 38 MHA 1983 are not entitled to s117 aftercare.
This document was developed jointly by the Professional Heads of Social care for West Sussex, Brighton and Hove and East Sussex to provide clarification for staff in carrying out the duties under Section 117.
Section 117 applies to both children and adults who meet the relevant legal criteria.
Section 117 status must be recorded on CPA.