We are going through a care plan review for an older sibling who has Aspergers.
the new social worker has suggested that they have an independent advocate so that they can ensure their wishes are heard as they may not be able to discuss personal relationships and sexual needs etc with family.
Whilst this is a new area for us to engage with us part of their care we have a few concerns.
the detail on the councils website state clearly that the individual chooses whether they would like to have an advocate.
that it is normally a family or friend that acts us an advocate or if not they have independent providers that can act for the individual as an alternative
we understand that as his PA’s we cannot advocate
we have a cousin who knows the sibling very well and is happy to act as an advocate with a significant care background
as a family with power of attorney we have a care background with over 3 decades of experience in the NHS.
however as the sibling has not agreed to an advocate yet and given options they have suggested they would feel more comfortable talking through these sensitive issues with their cousin as an advocate.
in spite of this the social worker informed us today that she had already actioned an independent advocate to get in touch with the sibling.
when we said they hadn’t agreed to this yet. She said they had.
we have for their safety cameras in their living room so the conversation was recorded and they did not agree to an advocate.
has anyone else experienced this type of situation ?
also with regard to relationships and sexual needs?
. The sibling does have quite an obsessive nature especially around pornography.
Grateful for any feedback