What Is Care Act Advocacy?
When Is Care Act Advocacy Provided?
What Does a Care Act Advocate Do?
Who Can make a Care Act Advocacy Referral?
What is a Care Act Advocacy?
Care Act Advocacy supports individuals who may have substantial difficulty being involved in processes and decisions about their care and support. Under the Care Act 2014, local authorities must arrange an independent Care Act Advocate for people who need help to participate in certain care and support functions, who do not have anyone else to help facilitate their involvement. An advocate helps ensure the person is fully involved and that their views, wishes, and feelings are heard and considered.
When Is Care Act Advocacy Provided?
A Care Act Advocate may support someone during:
- Care and support assessments
- Support planning
- Care reviews
- Safeguarding enquiries or reviews
Advocacy ensures individuals are able to understand information, express their views, and participate in decisions that affect their lives.
What Does a Care Act Advocate Do?
A Care Act Advocate can:
- Help the person understand the care and support process
- Support them to express their wishes, views, and feelings
- Assist them to ask questions and explore options
- Ensure their rights are respected
- Support them to participate in meetings and decision-making
The advocate works independently from services and in the best interests of the individual.
ir lives.
Who Can make a Care Act Advocacy Referral?
Referrals are typically made by professionals involved in care and support planning, including:
- Local authority staff
- Social workers
- Health professionals
- Care providers
