Systems Advocacy

Family Advocacy influences 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:

To remain an independent and critical voice.

Example: Family Advocacy has consistently opposed changes which will have a negative impact on people with disability, such as the 2002 submission for change by the NSW Government to the Community Services Commission.  We strive to remain independent of service providers in order to be in a better position to promote and defend the rights and interests of people with disability.

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

Example: Family Advocacy made submissions in relation to the review of ATLAS/Day Programs, out-of-home care for children with disability, and education of students with disability.  We ensured that the issues facing children with a disability were taken up in the Children & Young Persons (Care & Protection) Act 1998 & 2002.

To 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.

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.

To forge new precedents.

Example: Family Advocacy submitted a major proposal to the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability & Home Care about creating different ways of supporting individuals to lead more involved lives within the community.

To be represented on coalitions which are active in working for systems/social change.

Example: Family Advocacy is a member of the NSW Disability Safeguards Coalition.  We also convene the Coalition for Inclusive Education, which is a group of 20 other organisations.