Advocacy is the process of standing alongside an individual and speaking out on their behalf in a way that represents the best interests of that person.

Choice Community Health encourages and respects the rights of any client to use an advocate of their choice. The client has the right to change their advocate at any time. We also recognize that effective advocacy needs to be independent and separated from direct service delivery.

Choice Community Health invites advocates’ participation in all areas relating to the services of the person they are supporting. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Assessments;
• Reviews;
• Complaints and disputes;
• Informed decision-making;
• Meetings;
• Policy development and review;
• Participation in subcommittees and/or working groups;
• Strategic planning; and
• General meetings or for any other communication between the client and staff.

Choice Community Health acknowledges and respects the role of people who act as independent advocates for clients and will undertake to ensure that clients have unimpeded access to their advocate.

Choice Community Health will ensure that information about advocacy and how to arrange the involvement of an advocate will be given to the client at the initial assessment meeting. This information will be repeated to the client at regular intervals during the period of service delivery.

Choice Community Health will accept, at any time during service delivery, the appointment of an advocate to represent the client. The client or their appointed representative can inform either the employee or the service manager of their need for an advocate.

For further assistance, contact us at:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.choicecommunityhealth.com.au