Community treatment orders (CTOs) which will for the first time extend compulsory treatment beyond hospital and into people's homes, are one of the most controversial new aspects of the Mental Health Act. Health practitioners will now have the power to force people with mental health problems to undergo treatment in the community against their will or face being returned to hospital. However, while practitioners are free impose CTOs on patients from today, access to advocacy is not yet in place - and could face further delays.
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