InforMHAA: Best practices for Approved Mental Health Professionals and Interpreters working together

Who is this guidance for? The guidance is intended for AMHPs (Approved Mental Health Professionals) and spoken and/or signed language interpreters who are working together under the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA). It is useful for AMHP educators offering training leading to approval to practice as an AMHP, subsequent reapproval, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD), as well as for interpreting educators offering initial interpreter training and CPD. It is relevant to others involved in Mental Health Act assessments (MHAAs) such as Section 12 doctors and police personnel, but its primary focus is on AMHPs and interpreters working together in MHAAs. It may be of interest to people who use services, carers, and people with lived experience of assessment via interpreters whether under the Mental Health Act or other statutory interventions. It has some applicability to professionals working under different jurisdictions, whether in the UK or internationally, in situations where someone may undergo an assessment under the equivalents of the Mental Health Act 1983 and where spoken and/or signed language interpreters are involved.