Advocacy Services 650-50-70

(Revised 10/17/2018 ML #3540)

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At times staff may need to provide advocacy services for consumers. Providing advocacy services means a Resource-LINK staff will take an active role in assisting the consumer with obtaining services. Staff may need to make phone calls, write letters, or speak to other agencies or programs on behalf of consumers. Situations where advocacy may be required include but are not limited to:

  1. Consumers who may lack assertiveness in pressing for needed services.
  2. Consumers who may lack awareness or knowledge of their rights.
  3. Consumers who may lack knowledge of, or who are confused about, existing services and application processes.
  4. Consumers who may have a difficult time communicating their needs or concerns.
  5. Consumers who may find it difficult to ask for help, who perceive asking for help as a weakness or dependency.
  6. Consumers who may experience language difficulties in dealing with agencies or programs.
  7. Agencies that may have rigid or confusing screening processes or policies.
  8. Agencies that may have financial limitations.
  9. Agencies that consumers identify as not being respectful or helpful.
  10. When advocating for consumers, I & R staff must obtain verbal permission from the consumer to release information. If the consumer does not approve the release of information, staff may still complete advocacy attempts, but will proceed in a “generic” manner without providing identifying information about the consumer.
  11. If I & R staff have questions or concerns regarding the provision of advocacy services, they will consult the Aging and Disability Resource-LINK Program Administrator to develop a plan for appropriate advocacy services.