Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA)

This is an independent services provided by Skills for People.

The IMCA will become involved when a person who lacks capacity needs:

• to go into long-term care of 8 weeks or more
• to go into hospital for more than 28 days
• to move to different accommodation for 8 weeks or more
• serious medical treatment

In these cases the IMCA is appointed if the person for whom the decision is being made is without:

• friends
• families
• supporters

who can help with the decision.

Even if there are family, friends of supporters the IMCA may need to be involved:

• in certain adult protection cases
• where there is a care review related to accommodation