Children and young people – Consent to treatment

Like adults, young people (aged 16 or 17) are presumed to have sufficient capacity to decide on their own medical treatment, unless there’s significant evidence to suggest otherwise.

Children under the age of 16 can consent to their own treatment if they’re believed to have enough intelligence, competence and understanding to fully appreciate what’s involved in their treatment.

Read more about Consent to Treatment on the NHS website.

Date published: 17th December, 2024
Date last updated: 18th February, 2026