What to Expect from your Advocate
- is on your side, independent, and loyal to you and only you.
- will give you time, attention, support,assistance, trust, respect, and total confidentiality.
- will try to understand your situation and what may be stopping you from getting the outcomes you want.
- will be punctual, honest, reliable,non-judgmental, open, trained, and professional.
- will help you gather information, understand your options and what the consequences of your choices may be.
- will help you speak out, say what you want to say.
- Your advocate will act within the law.
- will not give advice, do everything for you, or solve all your problems.
- will not provide help with shopping, managing finances, or any other practical support.
- will not ‘befriend’ you.
- will not promise you will get what you want.
- will not receive special treatment from existing services.
- will not give you their opinions or tell you what they think you should do.
- will not make decisions on your behalf.
- will not reveal or seek information about you without your agreement.
- will not speak for you if you are able to express your own view yourself.
