Referrals
We accept self-referrals and referrals from professionals, family and friends, but this does depend on what advocacy stream a person is trying to access. In some cases, we can only accept a referral from a professional, such as a social worker. Please refer to the flow charts for further guidance. It is important when making a referral that the person you are referring is aware of the referral and has given their consent. Once we receive a referral we will contact the person directly to talk about their issues and how an advocate may be able to help them.
If you refer someone who does not want an advocate then we will not be able to accept the referral. We have to take direct instruction from the person experiencing the issues or difficulties and not a third party, as their views may be different from the person they are referring. The only time this is not the case is when someone has been assessed as lacking capacity to consent to a referral and they meet the criteria for one of our statutory advocacy services.
We support people to self-advocate where possible however, if someone requires additional support this will be discussed at an assessment appointment. We can only advocate for someone who has an active advocacy issue. We do not keep cases open just in case an issue arises in the future.
It is important when referring someone that you understand the work that advocates do not undertake, for example we are not specialist advisors or support workers and we are not a crisis or emotional support service. If someone requires services or support that advocates do not provide our role would be to enable them to access other services appropriate to meet their needs.
If you are unsure how we can help please contact us and our advocates will be happy to talk about the work we do.
If you would like to make a referral please download our referral form and email it to us at office@yorkadvocacy.org.uk.
Referral Routes and Service Access
Each advocacy service has established access criteria and this may be determined by legislation for statutory advocacy and additional need in NHS and general advocacy service streams. For an overview of each type of advocacy and access criteria please see the flow charts below.
All referrals to York Advocacy Hub should be made using our standard referral form, which is designed to help us determine what type of advocacy support is required. Referrers should:
- Complete the required sections of the referral form including any planned meetings
- Ensure all referrals are sent securely, using an encrypted email system or password protected document
- Contact the hub if you are unsure which advocacy stream is most appropriate for the person you are referring
- Submit referrals at the point you identify someone requires advocacy support to ensure advocacy can commence in advance of meetings and decisions
- Provide supplementary information with the referral, such as decision-specific capacity assessments, care plans or assessment notes.
Allocation Process
York Advocacy Hub triages, prioritises and allocates referrals in-line with established legislation, criteria and agreed timescales.
Once a referral has been received we will:
- Acknowledge receipt with the person making the referral within two days
- Contact the person making the referral if further information is required or needs clarifying
- Notify the person making the referral if there is a waiting period prior to allocation
- Allocate the referral to a named advocate
- Once allocated the named advocate will contact either the person requesting / named as requiring advocacy or the referrer/decision maker in cases where capacity has been assessed as lacking and a third party has submitted the referral
Please note: Incomplete referral forms will result in delays in allocation which may affect timescales other professionals are working to.
For advocacy involvement to be meaningful and support people’s statutory rights, it is important that all referrals are made with sufficient time for the advocate to engage with the person requiring advocacy prior to meetings and decisions being made. Delays in responding to communication from the hub or advocate will extend the advocacy process.
Your referral has not been accepted until you receive a confirmation email. If in doubt, please contact the office on 01904 414357
