In the role of advocate, the APSW works with community-based services and agencies to ensure, within the scope of the APSW's mandate and authority, that the rights of the adult who has a developmental disability are acknowledged and respected, and Inform the adult who has a developmental disability of their rights.
Before acting as an advocate, the Adult Protective Service Worker determines the level at which the individual who has a developmental disability understands a potentially harmful situation and can speak on their own behalf. The following are broad examples to guide the Adult Protective Service Worker in advocating on behalf of individuals:
In some communities, the Adult Protective Service Worker has also been designated as the Intensive Case Manager and can assist the individual. In other communities, the services of a separate Intensive Case Manager may not be available.
The APS worker can:
- Help provide information to the individual about their rights and responsibilities
- Help the individual to receive the services of a lawyer including help with the process for making an application for legal aid
The following article is the opinion of the author. It is for discussion and learning purposes only. In no way does APSAO endorse this article as being the only way that advocacy can be pursued. Each advocacy situation merits its own individual plan that may entail parts of the author's recommendations. It is a suggested step by step guide to successful advocacy that can assist the reader in developing a suitable course of action.
Effective Advocacy by J. Dale Munro (English) 
Effective Advocacy by J. Dale Munro (French)