Independent Advocacy is a way to help people to have a stronger voice and to have as much control as possible over their own lives. Independent Advocacy organisations are separate from organisations that provide other types of services. An independent advocate will not make decisions on behalf of the person/group they are supporting. The independent advocate helps the person/group to get the information they need to make real choices about their circumstances and supports the person/group to put their choices across to others. An independent advocate may speak on behalf of people who are unable to do so for themselves.
An advocate will listen to what you say and help you find information about the choices you may have.
Advocacy is a way to enable people to make informed choices about, and to remain in control of, their own care.
The role of independent advocacy, within a legislative context is;
- embedded in the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
- emphasised in the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
- specifically referenced within the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007
- referenced in the Patients Rights Act (Scotland) 2011
- in accordance with the legislative duty placed upon them, Independent Advocacy is supported and promoted by Health Boards and Local Authorities
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