mental capacity act what age is a child
Within the MCA Code of Practice âchildrenâ are people below the age of 16; âyoung peopleâ are those aged 16 and 17; anyone aged 18 and over is considered to be an âadultâ. This differs from the law more generally and the Children Act 1989 in particular where the term âchildâ is used to refer to anyone under 18.he exceptions are that: 1. The Court of Protection can make decisions about a childâs property and finances if the child lacks capacity to do so (under section 2(1) of the MCA) and is still likely to lack the capacity so to do when they reach 18 (section 18(3)). 2.