The National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers has convened a Reference Group to support its members in the implementation of the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act. 

The Assisted Decision-Making (capacity) Act 2015 (as amended) was commenced on the 26th April 2023 and the Decision Support Service (DSS) is now fully operational.

The Decision Support Service (DSS)

The Decision Support Service provides a range of important and up to date information resources at its website, including:

• Codes of practice for decision supporters, interveners and relevant professionals, providing guidance for their functions and responsibilities under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015.
• Detailed Overview Presentation
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Resource page  
• Information Leaflet
• Information for Families

DSS Contact Details:

Phone: 01 211 9750

Email: queries@decisionsupportservice.ie

Website: https://www.decisionsupportservice.ie/

Webinars 

The HSE's National Office for Human Rights and Equality Policy has been providing a range of very helpful webinars to support and develop capacity around the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act. 

• HSE Webinar Series - Assisted Decision-Making Capacity Act 2015
• Easy-to-Read version of the HSE National Consent Policy – View the Launch Event here
• ​Office of Wards of Court and the Decision Support Service Joint Webinar

HSE E-learning programme

The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015: Guidance for Healthcare Workers e-learning programme is available on HSeLanD. This e-learning programme includes 3 modules:

Module 1: Guiding Principles
Module 2: Working with Decision Supporters appointed under the 2015 Act
Module 3: Advance Healthcare Directives

Search "Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 – Guidance for Healthcare Workers" on www.hseland.ie to enrol in the course.

Other useful Websites 

• The HSE National Office for Human Rights and Equality Policy has a dedicated webpage with information and resources on the Assisted Decision Making Act, including:
  • A recorded presentation An Introduction to the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
  • A short Explainer Video on the Act containing simple core messages on the Act from the voices of staff and people who use our services
  • Frequently asked questions on the Act
  • Recordings of webinars on key provisions within the Act, including supporting decision- making, advance planning, and the role of advocacy
  • A quarterly newsletter providing updates on the Act and the work of the HSE National Office of Human Rights and Equality Policy, to sign up for the newsletter please contact adm@hse.ie. 
  • The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 – Personal and Professional Reflections – a collection of essays written from both a personal and professional perspectives highlighting the importance of the Act

• Inclusion Ireland provides accessible information on the Assisted Decision Making Act on their website, including:
  • Decision Making and consent
  • Easy to Read Guide on Wards of Court
     
• Sage Advocacy provides useful resources, including:
  • SAGE Advocacy Supporting Decision Making
  • SAGE Supporting Decision Making & Maximising Capacity: A person has the right to make their own decisions
  • Functional Approach to Capacity
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• Family Carers Ireland and Community Law & Mediation have developed two legal guides to support family carers:
  • A Practical Guide for Family Carers on the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 and
  • A Guide to the Legal Aspects of Caring.  Both can be accessed here.

Wards of Court

• Information from the Office of Wards of Court
• The Decision Support Service information on Wards of Court
• Courts Service information on the Assisted Decision Making legislation and Wards of Court
• Courts Service, Overview Flowchart Explaining the Discharge of a Ward of Court after Commencement of the Assisted Decision Making legislation
• Courts Service, Detailed Flowchart Explaining the Discharge of a Ward of Court after the Commencement of the Assisted Decision Making legislation

Legislation

• The Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015
• The Pre-Legislative Scrutiny Report  on the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2022 is available on the Oireachtas website, which also holds the video recordings of the Pre-Legislative Scrutiny hearings: 
  • 15th February 2022 Pre Legislative Scrutiny 
  • 16th February 2022 Pre Legislative Scrutiny
  • National Federation Opening Statement at Pre-Legislative Scrutiny 15th February 2022

• The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act 2022

Whats Coming Next?

As the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) legislation is implemented the range of resources and materials on this web page resource will be expanded. 

Key areas of information that will be provided will include: 

• Updated Information
• Training Resources 
• Sample Policies 
• FAQ