Independent mental capacity advocates (IMCA's)
The Independent mental capacity advocate (IMCA) role is to support and represent the person who lacks capacity. There is a number of different IMCA Roles involved in supporting people who may be subject to the DoLS.
- Section 39A IMCAs are instructed when there is a DoLS assessment and there is no relative of friends to represent the person being assessed.
- Section 39C IMCAs cover the role of the relevant person’s representative when there is a gap between appointments.
- Section 39D IMCAs support the person, or their Relevant Person’s Representative, when a DoLS authorisation is granted.
More information can be found in section 7 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 - Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Code of Practice