Chapter 1: Debt advice: an outline1. Professional debt adviceDebt advice is a professional activityEnsuring good practiceFor organisationsCitizens Advice Bureau accreditationTackling Problem Debt GroupSecond-tier support from MATRICS consultancyMATRICS learnThe Financial Conduct AuthorityThe client's best interestsA professional attitudeA commitment to social policyA sound knowledge of law and proceduresA commitment to developing the serviceA systematic approachAn ability to involve the client in informed choicesClients with mental health problems2. The debt advice systemClient authorisationStages of the debt advice processInitial interviewMonitoring creditor practices3. AdministrationThe triage interviewMaking appropriate referralsCase recordingCorrespondenceReviewsClosing cases