Overview of the project

There has been growing attention to differences in outcomes of MHA assessments involving members of Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, as there is evidence that there is a greater likelihood of some ethnic groups being compulsorily detained in comparison with other groups. But this is not the same as paying attention to best practice in cases where a person’s language may differ from English and where an interpreter is required. 

This 18-month project (February 2021-December 2022) aims to explore and identify challenges and good practice in contemporary Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) practice in Mental Health Act assessments that require the involvement of spoken or sign language interpreters in England. The project aims to develop, implement and evaluate a joint training model with AMHPs, interpreters and service users, and to develop best practice standards, guidance and support or the achievement of such standards in Mental Health Act assessments involving interpreters.