The Act is supported by a set of guiding principles. The overarching principle underlying Part 1 of the Act is that any intervention in an individual’s affairs should provide benefit to the adult and should be the least restrictive option available.
Those who are considering putting measures of protection in place under the Act must:
- Take into account the past and present wishes and feelings of the
adult at risk. - Take into account the views of other significant individuals e.g. nearest relative, primary carer, guardian, attorney and/or any other person with an interest in the adult’s wellbeing or affairs.
- Provide the adult with all relevant information and support them to participate as fully as possible.
- Ensure that the adult is not treated less favourably than another adult in a comparable situation.
- Take into account the adult’s abilities, background and characteristics (including age, sex, sexual orientation, religious persuasion, racial origin, ethnic group, cultural and linguistic heritage).