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Working with independent advocates: good practice guidance for working with independent advocates
- Author:
- MENTAL WELFARE COMMISSION FOR SCOTLAND
- Publisher:
- Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 16p.
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
In the course of the work of the Mental Welfare Commission, service users and independent advocates have voiced their concerns about involvement of advocacy. They have heard of situations where advocates were excluded from important meetings, or were not given the information they needed to fully advocate on behalf of an individual. The Mental Welfare Commission has also heard from practitioners that they are often uncertain about what involvement the advocate should have, especially if a person has a severe mental illness or learning disability that makes it difficult for him or her to involve an advocate. The authors collected some examples difficult situations and case studies to consult with a variety of practitioner, advocacy and service user groups. They also considered the legal framework, notably mental health and incapacity law in Scotland and data protection legislation. It is hoped that the guidance and case examples will help practitioners to understand the role of independent advocacy and provide assistance when dealing with difficult situations.