SJ v Cardiff & Vale University Health Board & Anor

SJ v Cardiff & Vale University Health Board & Anor

SJ lacks capacity to conduct proceedings, manage diabetes, and make decisions about care and support due to schizophrenia-related delusional beliefs and avolition. She has capacity to decide where to live only between options assessed as meeting her needs. The risks of a trial at home are unacceptably high and cannot be mitigated; continued residence at Z Placement with current care is in her best interests. Deprivation of liberty is necessary, proportionate, and authorised.

Parties
Applicant: SJ; First Respondent: Cardiff & Vale University Health Board; Second Respondent: Vale of Glamorgan Council
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
02 April 2026
Procedural Posture
Personal Welfare Application Under S.16 Mental Capacity Act 2005 / Final Hearing
Outcome
Application granted in part; declarations and orders made as to capacity, best interests, and deprivation of liberty.
Legal Topics
Capacity Assessment, Best Interests, Deprivation of Liberty, Diabetes Management, Supported Living, Litigation Capacity, Autonomy, Article 8 ECHR
Mental Capacity Health Law Human Rights Capacity Assessment Best Interests Deprivation of Liberty Diabetes Management Supported Living +3 more

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Parties

SJ

Applicant

Cardiff & Vale University Health Board

First Respondent

Vale of Glamorgan Council

Second Respondent

Procedural Posture

Personal Welfare Application Under S.16 Mental Capacity Act 2005 / Final Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether SJ has capacity to make decisions about care, residence, and diabetes management
  2. 2 Whether SJ has capacity to conduct proceedings
  3. 3 Whether it is in SJ's best interests to attempt a trial at home or remain in supported living

Ratio Decidendi

SJ lacks capacity to conduct proceedings, manage diabetes, and make decisions about care and support due to schizophrenia-related delusional beliefs and avolition. She has capacity to decide where to live only between options assessed as meeting her needs. The risks of a trial at home are unacceptably high and cannot be mitigated; continued residence at Z Placement with current care is in her best interests. Deprivation of liberty is necessary, proportionate, and authorised.

Court Disposition

Application granted in part; declarations and orders made as to capacity, best interests, and deprivation of liberty.

Orders

  • Declaration that SJ lacks capacity to conduct proceedings, manage diabetes, and make decisions about care and support.
  • Declaration that SJ has capacity to decide where to live between options assessed as meeting her needs.