To approve the joint policy and standard operating procedure (SOP) for section 117 aftercare, which is required under the Mental Health Act 1983. People who have been detained in hospital for treatment of their mental health needs may require care and support after they leave hospital. This aftercare will be arranged by the council or the NHS and provided in a variety of ways, depending on people’s needs.

Herefordshire Council and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group have a joint responsibility in law to make available appropriate aftercare services for people who have previously been detained in hospital for treatment under the Mental Health Act 1983. In practice, this responsibility applies only to aftercare for people who have been detained in hospital for more than 28 days.