Saturday, 6 September 2008
The IMCA service is a new advocacy service, introduced to help support particularly vulnerable people who lack the capacity to make important decisions about serious medical treatment and changes of accommodation and who have no family or friends other than paid care workers whom it would be appropriate to consult about these decisions. The role of the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) is to work with and support people who lack capacity, and represent their views to those who are working to determine their best interests. (i.e. the Decision Maker)
In carrying out their role IMCAs have a right to:
Meet the person who lacks capacity in private
Examine and take copies of, any records which the person holding the record thinks is relevant to making the best interests decision
However information holders, when releasing information should be sure that they are acting lawfully and that they can justify its release.
Accessing the IMCA service in Doncaster
The IMCA service in Doncaster is being provided by an organisation called Speaking Up. The service has been commissioned on a South Yorkshire wide basis.
When should the IMCA be involved?
An IMCA must be involved where an un befriended person lacks capacity to make a particular decision themselves about:
Serious medical treatment
A change of accommodation
An IMCA may be involved where it is felt the person would benefit from an IMCA in:
Adult Protection Proceedings
A Care review if a change of accommodation is being considered
In relation to safeguarding adults cases, Doncaster agencies have agreed to follow the practice guidance issued by the ADSS. This also includes guidance on when a person is already supported by an approved advocacy service.
When can’t the IMCA be involved?
When a person who lacks capacity has previously named a person that should be consulted about decisions that affect them, and that person is available and willing to help
The person that lacks capacity has a court appointed attorney or deputy
The following documents provide guidance and procedure for staff to access the IMCA service.
