Making Decisions

When you are 16, the law says you have the right to make decisions about your life. It is important that family, carers, teachers and other people who are paid to help you, give you information so that you can make an ‘informed decision’ [a choice that individuals make once they have all the information related to the topic]. Sometimes people may not agree with the decision you make or think you have made a bad decision. If you have made an informed decision, this does not matter. It is your decision.

If people think you are not able to make an informed decision even if you have as much information as possible, then a best interest meeting will make sure the right decision for you is made. Advocacy groups can help you gain the skills to make decisions. The Mental Capacity Act (2005) is a law about making decisions. See the link on the Mental Capacity Act for more information.

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