Family Advocacy

Family Advocacy seeks to influence change in the broader political and social arenas because without change at this level, positive change for individuals is more difficult to achieve. We call this "Systems Advocacy". As with our other areas of work, there are some specific goals which guide the effort.

Goals:

We seek to remain an independent and critical voice.

Example: Family Advocacy opposed changes to education legislation that would allow schools to seek information about students without parent permission and allow the Director General to direct a student to an alternate school without a fair process.

Family Advocacy has also spoken out against the redevelopment of large residential centers and encouraged Government to look at more personalised, flexible supported living options.

We strive to remain independent of service provision in order to be in a better position to promote and defend the rights and interests of people with disability.

We speak out for new legislation, policies and practices that are needed to enable people to lead valued lives.

Example: Family Advocacy has advocated for changes to post school programs to enable school leavers and adults to undertake valued roles and be active participants in their community.

Family Advocacy has written submissions and formed coalitions seeking to ensure all children and young people with disability are able to grow up in families that are properly supported.

We highlight where policy is in place but not being implemented.

Example: Family Advocacy is the leading voice supporting the inclusion of students with disability in regular classes of local schools. A recent focus has been to assist with the transition from primary to high school.

We actively speak out about the barriers to inclusion in the education system. This is made more effective by the significant day-to-day contact Family Advocacy has with families around the State.

We seek to forge new precedents.

Examples: Family Advocacy has consistently presented Government and the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC) with examples of new and more contemporary ways to bring about good lives for people with disability.

In 2007, we coordinated two ‘Roundtables' with Minister Keneally. The first brought five people from other States of Australia, who have been instrumental in bringing about different approaches to the way services are provided in their respective states.

The second ‘Roundtable' brought together a group of parents from across NSW, to present to the Minister a unique perspective on the dreams and aspirations they have for their sons and daughters and to put forward their views on some of the current barriers within the system to them achieving them. Possible solutions to these perceived barriers were also put forward.

We are involved in coalitions which are active in working for systems/social change.

Example: Family Advocacy initiated the Coalition for inclusive education to bring together advocacy and parent voices in seeking change in education.

Family Advocacy is a member of the Supported Living Forum, and co-developed the Supported Living Website with the Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association.