FROM THE SOCIAL CARE INSTITUTE FOR EXCELLENCE'S WEBSITE:
The Care Act 2014 aims to strengthen the voice of people who use services, and their carers, over the process of assessing, planning and safeguarding. Local authorities need to commission independent advocacy services to support people who may require it.
Under the Care Act 2014, local authorities must arrange an independent advocate to facilitate the involvement of a person in their assessment, in the preparation of their care and support plan and in the review of their care plan, if two conditions are met:
- the person has substantial difficulty in being fully involved in these processes
- there is no one appropriate available to support and represent the person’s wishes.