P62 - Community Treatment Order Policy
This policy sets out the legal framework for the operation of an order made under section 17A of the Mental Health Act (‘the Act’) which is known as a ‘Community Treatment Order’ (‘CTO’).
The purpose of a CTO is to allow suitable patients to be safely treated in the community rather than under detention in hospital, and to provide a way to help prevent relapse and any harm – to the patient or to others – that this might cause. It is intended to help patients to maintain stable mental health outside hospital and to promote recovery. The term ‘patient’ is used throughout to reflect the language of the Mental Health Act Code of Practice (MHA CoP or ‘the code’) but terms such as ‘CTO patient’ or ‘service user’ may be preferred locally.
This policy should be read in conjunction with chapter 29 of the MHA CoP which offers guidance on the operation of the Act. The principles set out in Chapter 1 of the Code in particular, treating patients using the least restrictive option and maximising their independence; and purpose and effectiveness should always be considered when considering CTOs (MHA CoP – 29.5)
Policy Categories
- Clinical
