Human Rights Act 1998: Implications for Community Care Services

The Human Rights Act 1998 is due to come into force on 2 October 2000. This article considers the impact this legislation will have on local social services and health authorities and looks at some recent cases as examples of how the courts may approach human rights points in practice. It warns authorities not to be complacent and urges them to review policies and procedures in readiness for the implementation of the Act.