Provision of Independent Advocacy Services

The Service is to provide high quality independent advocacy services delivered by competent and qualified staff, capable of advocating for people under all the statutory obligations of the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and Mental Health Act. This Advocacy Service is available for Adults residing in the Borough of Barnsley regarding issues around health and social care services. Statutory advocacy is when the individual is legally entitled to an advocate. There are three types of statutory advocacy services in England and Wales in line with the: · Care Act 2014 · Mental Health Act 2007 · Mental Capacity Act 2005 A small amount of non-statutory issue-based advocacy will be provided to support the flexibility of the Service for individuals who have benefited from the IMHA Service and also vulnerable adults who require an advocate and don't have anyone else to advocate for them in decisions around their care and support needs. This will be short term. A triage approach will be adopted to ensure the person has targeted professional advocacy where appropriate.