Independent Care Act Advocacy (ICAA)

​

Information for professionals

​

Who is Independent Care Act Advocacy for?

A person is entitled to an advocate if they have "substantial difficulty" taking part in one or more of the following (either because they have problems understanding the relevant information or because they have difficulty expressing their views):

​

• A social care assessment or review

• Agreeing a social care support plan

• A safeguarding enquiry or safeguarding process because they are felt to be at risk of abuse or neglect     

• A carer’s assessment

​

What areas does the service cover?

​

Our service covers Newcastle, Gateshead and South Tyneside.   
 

• In Newcastle we can provide Care Act advocacy for any eligible person whose social care is provided by Newcastle Council or where Newcastle Council is carrying out safeguarding enquiries or processes for an adult believed to be at risk of abuse or neglect.

• In Gateshead we can provide Care Act advocacy for any eligible person whose social care is provided by Gateshead Council or where Gateshead Council is carrying out safeguarding enquiries or processes for an adult believed to be at risk of abuse or neglect.  

• In South Tyneside we can provide Care Act advocacy for eligible people whose social care is provided by South Tyneside Council or where South Tyneside Council is carrying out safeguarding enquiries or processes for an adult at risk of abuse or neglect on a spot purchase arrangement.  

 

Who can refer and how?

 

We can only accept Care Act referrals under The Care Act from local authority social care staff and safeguarding teams in Newcastle and Gateshead.

​

*Referrers should note that advocacy support under The Care Act is optional and that referrals should only be made after first discussing with their client and agreeing that the person wants advocacy support.

​

How can I make a referral?

​

Referrals to this service can only be made by the local authority so please contact them to discuss a referral.

​

For more information or advice about a referral, please contact us.

​