The legal position concerning consent and refusal of treatment by those under the age of 18 is different from the position for adults. For the purposes of this guidance, ‘child’ refers to someone aged below 16 and ‘young person’ refers to someone aged 16–17. Children and young people cannot make a Lasting Power of Attorney.

You may provide emergency treatment to a child or young person, or refer them without their consent, to save their life, or prevent serious deterioration in their health or vision.