Case Example of Critical Work as a Mental Health Officer

With regards to the outlined case study, this essay will be written under the assumption that my involvement begins at the stage where a Social Circumstances Report (SCR) under section…. Of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment Scotland) 2003 (MHA) has been requested following the Assessment Order under section 52D of the Criminal Procedures Act 1995 (CPA) being granted. Although this entrance point could also have been the Short Term Detention when Andrew was nineteen, when MHO contact would have been mandatory under the stipulations of civil proceedings, I felt this later stage would be more pertinent to the assignment and intended learning outcome. This later involvement provides more of an opportunity to critically analyse the areas of synergy as well as juxtaposition that exist between the CPA and the MHA, as well as exploring the inherent complexities that derive from attempting to differentiate Andrew’s mental disorder from his offending behaviour.

My initial role at this stage in the case would be to complete the required SCR. Adhering to this procedure would ensure that the Mental Welfare Commission and Andrew’s RMO are informed of Andrew’s history and circumstances, allowing for an accurate assessment of his needs. This duty is critical as it helps inform the RMO’s care plan for the patient involved by highlighting historical risk factors and providing background context to his behaviours. The MHO role and the importance of completing the SCR cannot be underestimated as it contributes to the establishment of an accurate overview of the case that no other care team member could provide nor have the skills to undertake.

Part of constructing a comprehensive overview of the case would involve following the traditional procedure of defining Andrew’s mental health history and providing relevant information with regards to his general past and background. However, this patient centred approach which is intent on instilling a sense of ownership and shared...