Social Work are coming to visit me.  What are my rights?
 
What if I don’t want to answer questions?
At the start of the visit Social Work will tell you that you don’t have to answer questions.  Some people may worry about answering questions because of what they think might happen.  It is important that Social Work know your side of the story and what might help you.

I don’t want help.  Can I refuse help?
Yes, unless Social Work think:
· Someone is telling you to refuse help
· You may not have capacity to make the decision to refuse
help.  
Capacity is a legal term.  It means you are not able to make some decisions about you and your life. 
· Other people are also being harmed.

Social Work will accept your refusal of help but advise you to
think about it again.  They will tell you about services that might
help you.  Social Work will always try to involve you.  They will
always try to get the right help and support to stop the harm
and keep you safe.

Will I get a Social Worker?
You might.  Not everyone will.

Can I have someone to support me if there is a meeting about me?
Yes.  This could be an advocate, or a friend or family member.

What is an advocate?
An advocate is a person who supports you to speak up about things that are important to you.  They help you to have your views heard.  Social Work will arrange an advocate for you if this is what you want.
 
Why do I need an advocate?
It is sometimes hard to say what you want.  You should have time with your advocate before any meeting to find out what you think and what you want to say.  They can say it for you at the meeting if that is what you want.
 
Will I be able to get communication support?
Yes.  This includes things like an interpreter or ‘Easy Read’ information.  Ask Social Work to arrange this.