Who makes decisions when a young person with learning disabilities reaches 18? A free event is taking place at Kisharon next week to answer your questions.

Experts from north west London firm, Bowers Solicitors will answer questions about mental capacity, substituted decision making and deputyships at Kisharon on Wednesday.

“Sometimes parents don’t know enough about the law to be aware of capacity and decision making, and can make assumptions which may not be correct,” explained Hadassa Kessler, Principal Social Worker and Learning and Development Lead.

Parents of young adults who may lack capacity need to apply to become their ‘deputy’ once they reach 18 in order to continue making decisions on their behalf.

“In an emergency, doctors have made decisions for people through a best interest process. Their families do not have the last word legally and this is worrying,” Hadassa said.

Bowers became involved after helping several families address this issue and offered to run a free advice session at Kisharon. The event will be held at Parson Street, at 2pm.

RSVP to Hadassa Kessler at hadassak@kisharon.org.uk or call 020 8203 2233.