Independent advocacy aims to help people by supporting them to express their own needs, gain access to information, understand the options available and make their own informed decisions.

Unlike the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Scotland Act 2003 where advocacy is a requirement - the ASP Act states that advocacy should be considered in every case. Good practice would be that the adult should be asked if they know about and would like access to advocacy services. Where advocacy is offered, declined by the adult or deemed inappropriate, the reasons for this should be clearly recorded.