Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA)
Referrals for this service must come from a professional.
What is Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy?
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 introduced the role of the independent mental capacity advocate (IMCA).
IMCAs are a legal safeguard for people who lack the capacity to make specific important decisions: including making decisions about where they live and about serious medical treatment options. IMCAs are mainly instructed to represent people where there is no one independent of services, such as a family member or friend, who is able to represent the person
The role of the IMCA is to find out what the views and wishes of the person would be if they had the capacity to make the decision. They do this by talking and observing the person, talking to any family, friends and professionals who work with them. The IMCA is not responsible for making the decision.
IMCAs can only work with an individual once they have been instructed by an appropriate person/ body. This means referrals to this service cannot be made by individuals. Referrals must include the name of the person responsible for the decision.
Find out more.
For information please contact Advocacy 1st on telephone number 0203 948 0559