Mental Health Officers Report 2014

That the Parliament notes the findings of the report by the Scottish Social Services Council, The Mental Health Officers (Scotland) Report 2014, which states that the number of practising mental health officers (MHOs) in Scotland is at its lowest point since 2005; notes with concern the report's claim that 21 local authorities have recorded a shortfall in the number of MHOs, and that an additional 30 full-time officers are required to fill this; believes that a shortage in MHOs can have a detrimental effect on the protection of civil liberties of people defined by the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 as having mental ill health, and urges the Scottish Government to work with the local authorities to boost the recruitment, training and retention of MHOs across the country.