Care programme approach

Part of: The Community Learning Disability Nursing Service

Picture Words
Care programme approach illustration

The Care Programme Approach (CPA) was introduced in 1990. It is a way to plan effective mental health care for a person.
A man talking to a social work

CPA makes sure that you are involved in decisions about your care and support. We will work together with you to try to make your life better.
A woman filling in a form

CPA makes sure that important things are written down in one place.
Some people gathered round a laptop

CPA makes sure that everyone knows what is needed and what they need to do to help you.
A care plan

CPA makes sure that you have a written care plan. This plan also says what will happen in an emergency or if things go wrong.
A family on a sofa

CPA says that your friends, family, advocates and carers are important to you. They sometimes need help as well.
Some people gathered round a table

CPA makes sure that people who are important to you are involved in your care.
Two people talking

When you start on CPA, you will have a chance to talk about your strengths, the help you need and what you want out of life. This is called an assessment.
Two people shaking hands to agree on a plan

After the assessment, you will be involved in making a care plan. A care plan says what needs to happen to help you.
Two men smiling

You will be given a Care Co-ordinator. This is the person who will make sure that your care plan is working.