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Citizen Advocacy is defined as…
A relationship between a person with a learning disability and
a volunteer advocate which is:
- a one to one partnership
An essential aspect of Citizen Advocacy is that the advocate
is focused on the partners interests and aspirations alone.
This is in contrast to professional advocates who may have many
other 'clients'.
- freely given and voluntary
A partner may have many people in their lives, but they likely
to be paid employees of services. A citizen advocate is there
because they want to be. Citizen advocacy is not a job and they
are not employed by the scheme that established the relationship.
The advocates time is freely and voluntarily given. This is
a powerful contrast to the professional nature of services and
as result a more equal partnership is possible.
- defined by the advocate and partner
All partnerships will be different and what the partners make
it. The scheme does provide support and guidance for the advocate
but the partners are independent. Only the partners will know
how they want their friendship to develop and of course Its
important for the advocate to focus on the wishes and needs
of their partner throughout.
- created to promote social inclusion and the protection
of human rights of a person who is in a vulnerable position
Citizen advocates help counter exclusion by offering friendship,
sharing common interests and social activities, therebye supporting
their advocacy partner to participate community life.
- independent from service providers
There can be no conflicts of interests for an advocate. They
must be independent of services or agencies.
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