The High Court has discharged a young man with profound and complex needs from wardship and appointed his mother to make specified decisions for him under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015.
The man, identified only as A, was born in 2001 and entered wardship in 2020. He lives at home and requires two carers to be present at all times. His parents had acted as his committee in wardship.
A consultant psychiatrist carried out a functional capacity assessment in September 2025. The doctor concluded that A lacks capacity to make decisions concerning both his personal welfare and his property and affairs, even with assistance from a suitable co-decision-maker. No contrary medical evidence was presented.
Mr Justice Mark Heslin therefore made a declaration under the 2015 Act reflecting that finding and formally discharged A from wardship.
The court appointed A’s mother, identified as B, as his decision-making representative for both personal welfare and property and affairs. The judge noted that she already provides extensive care for her son and is familiar with his finances. She agreed to take on the additional role rather than place further responsibility on her husband, who works full-time and manages the family farm.
The orders allow B to manage bank accounts and assets for A’s benefit, liaise with health professionals and protect his interest in a motor vehicle. She must account to the Decision Support Service in accordance with the legislation.
A is also entitled to receive assets currently held on his behalf by the Courts Service. The judgment notes that legal proceedings concerning the circumstances of his birth have produced interim payments, with a further payment anticipated.
The court directed that A’s capacity be reviewed by the Circuit Court within three years. It also prohibited publication of information likely to identify him as a person with a medical condition. No order for costs was made.