Note on safeguarding
The vast majority of referrals for statutory advocacy in relation to safeguarding issues will initially be made to the Advocacy Under the Care Act service. A Care Act Advocate will support and help to facilitate the individual’s involvement throughout the safeguarding process. The IMCA service will generally only make representations into the decision making process relating to any protective measures that are being considered or are imposed.
The IMCA service will be unable to act where the final decision on proposed financial measures will be taken by the Court of Protection or the Department of Work and Pensions.
The Advocacy Under the Care Act and IMCA service roles in relation to safeguarding are separate and distinct and, providing the relevant criteria is met, can support the same individual at the same time and in relation to the same process.