Advocates will exercise great care to ensure
that the person fully understands the benefits and risks of
any decision. In making decisions, people will be encouraged
to consult with the important people in their lives. Advocates
have an ethical obligation to represent the desires and needs
of the person they represent, regardless of their own personal
opinions on the matter.
The Arc’s advocacy support staff will
present clear documentation to the team that the person, and/or
their legal representative desires their involvement and will
obtain necessary releases to obtain information as necessary.
Advocates will only attend meetings or take action/s with
the person present unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Advocates will maintain continuous and open communication
to ensure the person’s best interest is a priority.
Advocates will always act within the team process. Advocates
will also be responsible to schedule visits in advance.
Advocates will recognize and set aside their
own needs and desires that may conflict with those of the
person they are advocating for. If there is a conflict of
interest, the advocate will withdraw from the decision-making
process. Advocates will communicate effectively with the person
they are advocating for and will encouraging them to express
and act on their thoughts, choices, and feelings about issues
and proposed solutions. Advocates may be relieved of their
role at any time at the request of the person and/or their
family if appropriate.
