Our philosophy & principles
Philosophy
A dissection of our Mission Statement provides an encapsulated philosophy of Advocacy Tasmania.
...acting independently...
Our allegiance is to our clients, that is the person with the disability, mental health disorder, drug or alcohol problem, older person or carer who has come to us for assistance. Independence is critical because it greatly reduces the potential for conflicts of interest and ensures our focus is maintained on our client.
...works to both empower and uphold...
- Empower
- Refers to helping people to help themselves. If an advocate can support the person, family member or significant other to speak on their own behalf, this helps the person to develop the confidence they need to speak up in future situations. When we think of the 'position' of the advocate in such instances, we think of them as standing behind (in the background for support) or standing beside the person.
- Uphold
- Refers to representing a person's interests - speaking on their behalf. Many people find it difficult to self-advocate and require someone to speak for them. When this is needed, we provide such advocacy. In such instances, we think of the advocate as standing in front of the person.
...the rights and interests of our various client groups...
Through the funding of services such as Advocacy Tasmania Inc. society has recognised the need for advocacy for vulnerable and disadvantaged people who may experience greater threats to their legal, civil, and personal rights than other groups in our community.
In 1989, the Ronalds Report (Residents Rights in Nursing Homes) looked at the rights of residents in nursing homes and hostels and made this comment about the need for advocacy services:
...difficulty in personally exercising rights should not mean that those rights no longer apply. Rather it means that some effective method of assisting the person to exercise their rights must be found. In practical terms the notion of an advocate or advocacy service is seen as one mechanism to meet their needs.
We believe this view applies equally to people with disabilites and mental health disorders.
Principles of advocacy
Client directed
Advocates work at the direction of clients. Advocates may advise clients as to options so that the client makes an informed choice.
Conflict management
Advocates endeavour to avoid confrontational approaches as much as possible
Confidentiality
Confidentiality builds trust between client and advocate. Clients have the right to expect that information will be dealt with confidentially unless they give their express permission for it to be disclosed.
Culturally sensitive
Advocates must take into consideration the cultural, linguistic and communication needs of clients.
Duty of care
The advocate has a duty of care to not advocate in ways that are illegal or that will cause significant harm to the client.
Empowerment
Advocacy works to increase the power and control clients have over their lives.
Independent
Advocacy must be independent, with no conflicts of interest. It must focus solely on the rights and interests of the client.
Needs based
Service is provided to people in the client group according to need. The service is free and equitable.
Non-judgmental
Advocates will be non-judgmental in their dealings with clients.
Partisan
Advocacy is on the side of the disadvantaged party. It exists to assist clients. Advocates are not neutral umpires or mediators.
