Participant Support Procedures > Advocacy > Advocacy Role
Authorised by Chief Executive Officer
Revised Date: 11 June 2015
An advocate is a mature responsible person from the community who has an interest in working beside people with disabilities. Advocates are approached on the recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer and approved by the Board.
The advocate must be independent and not employed by any organisation or government department involved in the delivery of disability services.
An advocate must be:
− Reliable
− Assertive
− Collaborative
− Accountable
− Respect confidentiality
− Be committed to their work
− Have courage to act with conviction
− Show discretion and sound judgment
He/she must be aware of situations that may present a conflict of interest e.g. personal friendships within management or members of staff etc.
He/she must be willing to attend advocacy training in order to become familiar with the laws, regulations and policies; the State and Commonwealth Disability Standards, affecting people with a disability.
Being an advocate involves not only speaking on behalf of others but also being aware of the onus of responsibility:
− to listen and understand other views
− to understand the issues and get the facts straight
− to consider the consequences of actions taken
− to gather all the available information
− to act in a way which is most likely to advance the interest of the person/s being advocated for.
Strictly adhering to the principles of confidentiality and privacy, an advocate may be required to intercede when issues arise concerning:
− Neglect
− Exclusion
− Family conflict
− Police interviews
− Discrimination
− Assault or alleged assault of a person with a disability
An advocate is available to persons who attend:
− Day Programs
− Respite & Independent Living Programs
− Employment sites: Windward Industries and Seawinds Nursery
− People who live in the Disability Accommodation Services
An advocate may assist with participant meetings
He/she may assist people to complete annual service and residential assessments.
An advocate may encourage and supports people to develop skills that will enable them to become Self Advocates.
In a relationship of mutual trust and understanding, an advocate provides “moral support”, technical assistance or what reinforcement is necessary for the person with a disability to confidently assert their rights.
The role of the advocate is to support people to understand an issue, assist them to develop their options and goals and to express their views.
Encourages people with an intellectual disability, their families and supporters to assert their rights to:
− Dignity
− Inclusion
− Respect
− Choice
− Freedom – freedom of choice and freedom from exploitation
− Decision making
An Advocate will be committed to ensuring that people are accepted as equal citizens and will vigorously support their participation in all activities and opportunities in the community.
Advocacy takes courage to challenge injustices and discrimination.
It is a requirement of the position to have a police check and a working with children’s check.
Advocacy Role Support
Southwest Advocacy Network
71 Koroit Street, Warrnambool 3280 - Phone: 5561 8111
Office of the Public Advocate
Level 1, 204 Lygon Street, Carlton Victoria 3053 - Phone: 1300 309 337
VALID (The Victorian League for Individuals with a Disability)
235 Napier Street, Fitzroy 3065 Phone: 9416 4003 or free call 1800 655 570
Disability Services Commissioner
Level 30, 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000 – Phone: 1800 677 342
Out of hours support is available Independent Third Person