The Care Programme Approach in learning disability psychiatry

Abstract

For nearly three decades, closure of large psychiatric and learning disability hospitals has continued and more people with mental health needs remain in the community. With this continuing decrease in hospital provision, there has been an increased focus on the development of systems of safe care and effective treatment for people with significant mental health problems living in the community. Attempts to make this a central plank of mental health care have been reflected in legislation and guidance produced by the Department of Health. The Care Programme Approach (CPA) was introduced in 1991 after the publication of HC (90) 23/LASSL (90) 11 and subsequent guidance from the White Paper Caring for People (Department of Health, 1990).