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Received a superb & thoroughly supportive service. One of the most refreshing things is that when a phone call is promised it always happens. One never feels let down. Also we have been accompanied by the advocate to some difficult meetings and that support is invaluable.
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Previous Client Comment
Latest News
Core units available now by Distance Learning
A fast track method for experienced advocates
If you are an experienced advocate we now offer the core units by distance learning. It is recommended that advocates attend their specialist unit...
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Conversion course for IMHA
Now available for the 306 IMHA unit or as a full qualification
The cost of doing the complete Level 3 Independent Advocacy (Independent Mental Health Advocacy) is £1320. We are offering the IMHA...
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Level 3 Certificate in Independent Advocacy City and Guilds (7566)
Advocacy in Somerset is an accredited centre for these courses
We will be running courses initially in the South West from the 7th May 2009. Our fee for the Level 3 Certificate in Independent Advocacy is...
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Very supportive service
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Previous Client Comment
What is an IMCA
Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) is a new type of advocacy service introduced by the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The service came into effect in April 2007.
IMCAs support and represent people who lack capacity (possibly due to a learning disability, dementia, acquired brain injury or mental health condition) and who have no appropriate person to support them when major, potentially life-changing decisions are being made.
When are IMCA involved
An IMCA must be involved when someone who has been assessed as lacking capacity AND: -
A NHS Body is proposing:
- Serious medical treatment
- A stay of more than 28 days in hospital or 8 weeks in a care home
- To change a person.s accommodation to another hospital for more than 28 days or more than 8 weeks in a care home
OR
A Local Authority proposes
- To change or to provide residential accommodation for more than 8 weeks.
- AND
- the person has no appropriate relatives, friends or (unpaid) carers
An IMCA can also be involved in:-
- Accommodation reviews were the person lacks capacity and is un-befriended, and a change of accommodation may be considered
- or
- Adult protection cases where the person who is being abused or is the abuser lacks capacity, however in these cases an IMCA may be involved if there are relatives or friends.
Whose responsibility is it to involve an IMCA?
It is the responsibility of the 'decision maker' to ensure that an IMCA is involved. So:-
- The senior medical professional involved is the decision maker in cases of serious medical treatment and/or hospital stays
- and
- The person's Care Coordinator will be the decision maker in residentional accommodation cases
Where can I find out more?
You can find out more about IMCAs and the Mental Capacity Act by accessing the Department of Health's web page
There are other sources of information on the IMCA Links Page
