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Advocacy Tips

Publication #5032.01
Dated: March 1994

ADVOCACY TIPS

Be assertive

You have the right to receive services; case workers are available to help you receive services.

If you don't understand, ask questions

You have the right to receive information from every agency in a way you can understand. Ask them to give you information in your native language. If you don't understand something that someone says to you, ask for more explanation. Ask as many questions as you need to until you understand.

Share information

Your opinions count. You know your child's needs as well as the professionals who have done the child's evaluations. Don't be afraid to give your opinion.

Be prepared

Before you go to a meeting where your case will be reviewed, remind yourself what you want, and why you want it. Make a list of questions you want answered.

Keep tecords

Keep all the papers that have to do with your child's case together in a file. Keep a diary of verbal contacts. Write the name of every person you talk to and when you talked to him or her, and what you talked about.

Get help

If you feel uncomfortable when you go to a meeting alone, don't to it. Take a friend, a family member or an advocate with you. You always have the right to take someone with you, and that person is often helpful in keeping you focused on the problem, taking notes about what was decided and supporting you.

Be willing to listen

After you have asked for a service or asked a question, listen to the agency's answer. When you listen, ask yourself if the answer they have given answers your question. If you're not sure about the answer, ask more questions.

June 20, 2009