Planning of Section 117 aftercare should start as soon as the person is admitted to hospital.

A pre aftercare meeting should take place as soon as possible from admission and must be attended by the responsible clinician (or appropriate medical other), practitioner, the person concerned and/or their representative.

The pre aftercare meeting will confirm the needs and support requirements of the person and be clear which are Section 117 related, and which are 'other'.

Prior to discharge, a Care Act 2014 Section 9 to 13 needs assessment should be undertaken where required to identify the level of support required under Section 117 and needs outside the scope of Section 117. This should complement any other assessment and planning carried out as part of the person's care plan, Care Treatment Review and physical health reviews.

If the person is likely to be eligible for NHS Continuing Health Care a checklist should be completed.

A care plan should state accurate details of the Section 117 needs provided:
• health needs (non-chargeable)
• social care needs (non-chargeable)
• other needs identified outside Section 117 aftercare services (chargeable)

A person's Section 117 needs should be reviewed regularly, or as a minimum every 12 months.

People who refuse or disengage from services are still eligible for Section 117.

A care plan should still be prepared, a risk assessment should be completed, and a review date should be set.