Participant Support Procedures > Advocacy > Advocacy Procedure
Authorised by Chief Executive Officer
Revised Date: 26 June 2019
Kyeema Support Services commits to supporting participants to exercise rights and responsibilities and to gain skills in self-advocacy.
Kyeema will also identify community members with the necessary skills who may act as Community Advocates for participants and their carers where needed.
Participants who wish to access independent advocacy services will be supported to do so.
Self-Advocacy |
i.e. encourage and promote independence including successful self-representation, skills development, employment, training, knowledge, and any social or other matters of importance to our individuals
|
|
|
Systemic Advocacy for Participants |
i.e. to change systems (for or against change, be it with laws, government policies and practices) within society that may affect our individuals |
|
|
Parent/Family Advocacy |
i.e. assist families of our individuals to represent their interests in the community |
|
|
Participant |
There may be times the wishes of a participant conflict with those of a carer. When this occurs:
• Kyeema staff to aid communication between parties to maintain good relations where possible. • Support the participant as priority. If, after initial meetings the issue is still unresolved, engage the assistance of an advocate.
|
|
|
Citizenship Advocacy |
i.e. to integrate and provide our individuals with equal opportunity and integration with the broader society in which we live |
|
|
Legal Advocacy |
i.e. support and provide means for our individuals to access skilled professionals who will defend and protect their human rights, or play an active part in reforming law policies, which will have a positive impact in the lives of our individuals
|
|
|
Community Advocates |
Kyeema participants have access to a Community Advocate who they are able to talk to. An Advocate regularly attends the Kyeema Speaking Up Advocacy Group and Client Forum Days. Contact details for the Advocates are in multiple areas visible to participants and carers. |
Advocacy services offered to participants:
Disability Advocacy (NDIS Commission)
Phone: 1800 035 544
https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/participants/support-for-participants/disability-advocacy
Southwest Advocacy Association
45 Hider St, Warrnambool Phone: 5561 4584
http://www.southwestadvocacy.org.au/swaa/
Self-Advocacy Resource Unit (SARU)
1st Floor, Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Phone: 03 9639 6856 Email: saru@rosshouse.org.au
http://www.daru.org.au/organisation/self-advocacy-resource-unit
Disability Advocacy Resource (DARU)
3rd Floor, Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 3000
Phone: 03 9639 5807 Email: admin@daru.org.au
https://www.daru.org.au/contact-us