Advocacy
What is Advocacy?
Advocacy is a process
that ensures that the rights of vulnerable people are protected, that
their self-defined needs are met, and that they are supported to make
decisions that affect their lives. It is also a vital component of patient
protection, assuring that the vulnerable person's legal and human rights
are respected, and that their self-determination, independence and autonomy
are maintained. The PPAO differentiates between the concepts of "protection"
and "advocacy". "Protection" refers to interventions offered to people
with disabilities on the assumption that they are unable to understand
their options, express their views or make and take responsibility for
choices about their lives, care and treatment. "Advocacy", on the other
hand, emphasized a person's capacity for autonomy and ability to make
such choices, particularly if offered assistance in understanding the
options available, and in communicating personal preferences to others.
In the case where a vulnerable person cannot instruct an advocate and
is at risk of abuse or neglect, an advocate's intervention may be seen
as "protection." Hence, this dimension of "protection" is included within
the concept of "advocacy."
Guiding Principles of Advocacy
Advocacy is Client Directed:
Unless the client is incapable of instructing an advocate, advocacy is client directed. That is, the actions of the advocate are guided by the instructions of the client. The advocate serves the client on a voluntary and consensual basis. The advocate does not substitute for the client's instructions his or her own personal or professional view of what course of action is in the "best interests" of the client. Central to advocacy is the determination of the client's wishes and the servicing of those wishes, unless the client's instructions are illegal or impossible to carry out.
Advocacy is Independent:
Advocacy should be, and be seen to be, independent. In order to avoid any potential or perceived problems with conflict of interest, advocates should be independent both from the psychiatric facilities where and service providers from whom their clients receive care and treatment.
Advocacy is Accessible:
For advocates to be able to assist vulnerable clients, they must be readily accessible to them. They must also be assured of the opportunity to communicate with their clients without interference from others.
Advocacy Uses Avenues of Least Contest:
Advocates seek to resolve issues at the level of least contest by beginning with the decision-maker closest to the client's problem before escalation to higher authorities. They seek all avenues to promote patients' rights and freedoms including conciliation, mediation and reasoned discussion.
Instructed Advocacy
Advocacy that is undertaken directly by an advocate based on a client instruction. The process is guided by the principles of self-determination, client empowerment and self-advocacy. The advocate outlines options and the client determines the path to issue resolution. The advocate assumes the competency of the client to instruct unless the contrary is indicated.
Non-Instructed Advocacy
In keeping with the principles of self-determination, client empowerment and self-advocacy, non-instructed advocacy is conducted on behalf of an individual who for some reason is unable to instruct an advocate at the given time. Issues may concern the quality of life of an institutionalized person or those where a failure to take action will compromise the health, estate, personal security of dignity of the client.
Systemic Advocacy Overview
Systemic advocacy focuses on issues that affect a broad segment of a particular population. These initiatives may, for example, comprise strategic efforts to change administrative structures and service delivery within the context of psychiatric institutions. This can include law and policy reforms that provide the basis for services provided in the mental health care system. The goal of systemic advocacy is to promote changes that support the legal rights social and therapeutic entitlements of clients; and to address power inequities inherent in institutional settings. This section of the website will highlight some of the systemic advocacy initiatives that the PPAO has and will continue to work on in their quest to promote patients' rights in Ontario.
Self-Advocacy Overview:
Advocacy that is undertaken directly by the individual to achieve a specific goal. This form of advocacy may be enhanced through contact with an advocate who can provide information; resources, and an outline of options and expected outcomes of an individual's actions.