Sectioning
A term from the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice (APP), reproduced under the Open Government Licence with a link back to the authoritative source.
Definition
The informal term used to describe the legal process of detaining individuals under the Mental Health Act.
This definition is drawn from the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice. For the full operational guidance and current wording, read it at source.
Related terms
Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP)
Formerly known as an approved social worker, responsible for conducting assessments regarding hospital detention.
Mental disorder
Any disorder or disability of the mind as defined in the Mental Health Act.
Mental Health Act 1983
Legislation that governs the admission of individuals to hospital against their will, their rights while detained, and their aftercare.
Place of safety
Locations where individuals detained under mental health provisions can be taken for assessment and care.
Warrant
A legal document authorizing police entry and detention of individuals under specific legal provisions.
Definition reproduced from the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice under the Open Government Licence v3.0. See the source link above for the authoritative, current wording.