Supporting people affected by alcohol or drug dependency can present some of the most complex situations an independent advocate encounters. Questions about choice, risk, self-neglect, coercion and mental capacity can overlap, leaving advocates trying to balance respect for autonomy with legitimate concerns about a person’s safety and wellbeing.
Advocacy Support for those with Addictions is a practical course designed for independent advocates who want to develop their confidence when working with these challenging situations.
The course explores the advocate’s role and boundaries when supporting people affected by addiction, including harm reduction, rights-based practice and the importance of distinguishing between an unwise but capacitous decision and a genuine concern about mental capacity.
Part One looks closely at the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its application in addiction-related situations. It considers decision-specific and time-specific capacity, the two-stage test, the importance of the causative link, executive functioning, fluctuating capacity and situations where there may be a difference between what a person can explain and what they are able to put into practice.
Part Two moves beyond capacity to consider coercion and undue influence, self-neglect, safeguarding, homelessness and multi-agency working. It also provides practical guidance on confidentiality, recording complex cases, escalating professional disagreements and ensuring that the person’s own wishes, feelings and desired outcomes remain visible when numerous professionals and agencies become involved.
The course also recognises the impact that complex, high-risk advocacy can have on advocates themselves and considers the importance of reflective supervision, professional boundaries and wellbeing.
The course includes:
- Two video presentations, taking you through the subject in manageable parts
- Two multiple-choice knowledge quizzes – one following each presentation
- Practical examples and guidance grounded in independent advocacy practice
- A strong focus on applying legal and ethical principles to real-world situations
This course is particularly suitable for experienced independent advocates, IMCAs, Care Act advocates, IMHAs and others who support people where addiction, risk, safeguarding and questions about decision-making ability may intersect.
By the end of the course, advocates should feel better equipped to ask the right questions, recognise when capacity or coercion requires closer examination, challenge appropriately where necessary, and maintain a genuinely person-centred approach even in situations involving significant risk.
Once you have successfully completed all the parts of your qualification, you will get a certificate for your CPD which you can print off at home or work.
To buy this course and access it straightaway, please press the ‘Purchase’ button below.
Course Information
Course Instructors
