Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA)
Kent and Medway IMCA Service
Dedicated telephone number: 07918 698107
The Network (with two partners - Tunbridge Wells Mental Health Resource and North Kent Independent Advocacy Scheme) was awarded the two year contract with Kent County Council and Medway Council to provide the IMCA Service across the County of Kent and Medway.
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 came into force in April 2007 and is the legal framework for decision making for persons over the age of 16 who lack capacity to make particular decisions for themselves. It puts the needs and wishes of a person who lacks capacity at the centre of any decision making process.
There are some people who lack capacity (e.g. dementia, profound learning disabilities, brain injury, mental illness and other reasons etc) who do not have relatives or friends involved in their care. The local authority or NHS must consult (by law) an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) when a decision is being made about either a serious medical treatment OR a long term move AND when the person does not have the capacity to make that decision AND there are no family or friends able to support and represent them.
The IMCA has powers to inspect client records, gather evidence from anyone who is appropriate in the client’s life (including if possible the client him/herself) as well as the decision maker. Professionals who make particular decisions (mentioned above) must take account of the findings (report) of the IMCA.
We are planning, with our two partners to have 6 part time IMCA posts of 12 hours each. We also have a full time Co-ordinator who administrates the Service and allocates IMCAs. The Network’s Director manages the Service.
This page last updated Thu, 28 June 2007 08:25:58 GMT
