This is an assessment of an individual’s capacity to use social media and the internet, and its potential social, mental and financial impacts on an individual and others.
Our Statutory Will Assessments include all necessary preparatory work and organising the technical side of a remote assessment via video link, a Social Media Assessment, a written report and reading time.
Capacity for Social Media and internet use falls under two linked judgments, Re A (Capacity: Social Media and Internet Use: Best Interests) (2019) and Re B (Capacity: Social Media: Care and Contact) (2019).
We will need confirmation of any diagnosis of impairment that may be affecting the individual’s capacity to use social media or the internet. Any examples of historical use or actions that have raised concerns and which platforms (or types of social media) the individual uses.
The assessment will take place via video link through the use of a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer with webcam. This can take place at the client’s home or at a location they feel comfortable in and comprises of an in-depth conversation. It is not a test. The Assessor will use the information provided before the assessment to engage in open questions surrounding their use of social media and the internet.
The assessment will take approximately one hour.
The internet and social media are a central part of life for most people. Yet there are many risks and dangers associated with its use and it is important that we protect those that lack the capacity to be able to keep themselves safe online.
If a person lacks capacity to use social media or the internet it is important to understand why so that their care team can support them appropriately. Often it is not practical or appropriate to stop the person from using it altogether. It may be necessary to have a best interest meeting to identify how best support the individual to support them continue to engage in social media and the internet.
To discuss an assessment for use of social media and the internet, please contact us.
