INDEPENDENT SOCIAL WORK SERVICES FOR SOLICITORS, LOCAL AUTHORITIES, & FAMILIES
Independent Mental Capacity Assessments
Take a Closer Look
Independent Mental Capacity Assessments — Newcastle and the North East
Need to know whether someone has the capacity to make a specific decision... about care, finances, where they live, or contact with others?
Sea Social Work provides decision-specific Mental Capacity Assessments that give clarity while protecting the individual's rights, covering Newcastle and the surrounding areas across the North East.
Every assessment is carried out in a familiar, supportive environment, using tools and approaches that give each person the best possible chance to demonstrate their decision-making abilities.
Assessments cover decisions including care and support, residence, finances, use of the internet and social media, contact with others, and sex — with COP3 paperwork provided for Court of Protection applications where required.
Independent Mental Capacity Assessments
Who this service is for:
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Solicitors requiring capacity assessments for legal proceedings
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Local authorities dealing with care decisions or capacity disputes
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Families seeking clarity around a loved one's ability to make decisions
What you get:
A robust, evidence-based assessment — with COP3 paperwork if needed — that gives everyone involved clarity and confidence that decisions are safe, informed, and fair.
The Process:
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Initial enquiry — Get in touch via my contact form, or by emailing seasocialwork@gmail.com
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Complete enquiry form — This will provide me with everything required to give you an accurate quote of costs, timescale and availability.
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Fee agreement — To confirm the work I require a 50% deposit upon booking, the remainder to be paid upon completion. Invoices can be split between however many parties are involved.
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Meeting the person — I spend time with people in their own environment, observing day-to-day life and engaging them in meaningful activities to build a full picture. The number of visits, duration and locations, all vary depending on the individual but I will be able to advise what to expect during the enquiry stage.
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Gathering wider evidence — The time this takes can vary, and can depend on how many individuals are involved in the care. Typically this will take a few weeks but can be quicker for more straight forward cases.
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Drafting the report — First draft?
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Final report delivered — Clear, person-centred recommendations delivered to the Court of Protection, Parole Board, or Mental Health Tribunal, along with the instructing solicitor or local authority.
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Follow-up support — any?
"I was at my wits' end with legalities with my mum, who is 87 and has advanced vascular dementia... Part of what she needed to do was talk to my mum to establish her capabilities and she did this with such kindness and patience. Mum really enjoyed her visit, as Ali made the official visit feel much more like a friendly chat... It has been a pleasure working with her and I would not hesitate to recommend Ali if you need any independent social work completed."
Daughter of a Client
HOW I WORK WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Local authorities often call on me to conduct Care Act reviews or Mental Capacity Assessments when cases are complex, ensuring legal obligations are met without delay.
HOW I SUPPORT FAMILY MEMBERS OR CARERS
Families usually turn to me when they need a trusted, independent perspective
– whether it’s finding the right care for a loved one or navigating difficult decisions about their future.
