Pillar 1

Why is this important?

A jointly agreed Section 117 aftercare framework should ensure that a person who is eligible for, and in need of, Section117 aftercare does not experience unnecessary delay in accessing support. It should set out clear roles and responsibilities across health and local authority partners, so that both practitioners and people receiving aftercare understand who is responsible for assessment, planning, funding, review and decision-making.

The framework should also provide clarity for people who are entitled to Section 117 aftercare and their carers about what they can expect from aftercare in their local area, including how decisions are made, how aftercare will be reviewed, and how long it should continue. It should explain how people can raise concerns, challenge decisions or resolve disagreements about their aftercare, including access to advocacy, mediation and formal complaints processes.

By providing this clarity and transparency, a jointly agreed framework helps reduce the risk of fragmentation between agencies, supports consistent and person-centred practice, and strengthens accountability. This, in turn, supports better outcomes for people, including reduced risk of relapse and avoidable hospital readmission.

What does good look like? 

A joint framework/policy will confirm: 

• Shared ownership: Recognition that Section 117 is a joint duty shared between the ICB and the local authority where both organisations are equally responsible for the provision or arrangement of aftercare services and that this is reflected in all local policies, procedures, and commissioning arrangements.
• Strategic alignment: A unified strategic vision for mental health services across all ages, including children, young people and adults, that aligns priorities, promotes consistency, and supports effective partnership working across all organisations involved in the delivery of Section 117 aftercare. This should take account of the different statutory frameworks and service models that apply across the life course.
• Clear governance: Robust governance arrangements with representation from all key stakeholders, including the ICB, local authority, NHS trusts, people with lived experience and the voluntary and community sector ensuring accountability for the oversight of Section 117 aftercare, including management of risks and disputes.
• Defined roles and responsibilities: Clearly assigned roles and responsibilities that ensure responsibilities and accountabilities are understood and which includes arrangements for joint decision making and management of any disputes
   

Practical considerations  

• Joint Section 117 policy: Is there joint Section 117 policy in place that is publicly available and easily accessible to all staff, people with lived experience, and carers and reviewed at least annually?
• Partnership Board: Is there a dedicated partnership board (or equivalent) to oversee the implementation of the joint Section 117 policy that is meeting regularly with a clear term of reference, to review performance, address challenges, and drive continuous improvement?
• Joint funding arrangements: Is there an agreement in place between the local authority and Integrated Care Board that supports their joint duty to provide or arrange Section 117 aftercare, including clear, agreed arrangements for how funding responsibilities will be apportioned between health and social care elements, ensuring that funding disputes do not delay the provision of aftercare?
• Partnership S117 Register: Is there a shared SECTION 117 register to monitor the completion of annual reviews, ensuring transparency and supporting joint ownership and accountability?