The relevant authority shall consider whether the conditions in subsection (2) are satisfied in relation to a person qualifying for advice and assistance.
The conditions are that—
he needs help of a kind which they can give under this section or section 24B; and
in the case of a person to whom section 24(1A) applies, or to whom section 24(1B) applies and who was not being looked after by any local authority or local authority in Wales, they are satisfied that the person by whom he was being looked after does not have the necessary facilities for advising or befriending him.
If the conditions are satisfied—
they shall advise and befriend him if he is a person to whom section 24(1A) applies, or he is a person to whom section 24(1B) applies and he was being looked after by a local authority (without subsequently being looked after by a local authority in Wales) or was accommodated by or on behalf of a voluntary organisation; and
in any other case they may do so.
Where as a result of this section a local authority are under a duty, or are empowered, to advise and befriend a person, they may also give him assistance.
The assistance may be in kind and, in exceptional circumstances, assistance may be given—
by providing accommodation, if in the circumstances assistance may not be given in respect of the accommodation under section 24B, or
in cash.
Subsections (7) to (9) of section 17 apply in relation to assistance given under this section or section 24B as they apply in relation to assistance given under that section.