Service provision: a proactive approach
When Service Provision Is Not There

Parents with disabilities would like to avoid conflict and receive access to the services, which they need to be a parent. When their rights as a parent, and, particularly, as a parent with a disability are challenged, left unprotected or discriminated against, they seek to advocate for their rights.

Discrimination means treating people with a disability less favourably than people without that disability would be treated under the same circumstances.

Discrimination also exists where there is a condition or requirement imposed, which may be the same for everyone but which excludes or disadvantages people with a disability.

Parents with disabilities need a proactive form of service provision from those who will protect their interests, needs and rights.

They also need:

• provision of information in suitable formats and back up support to take on an issue themselves,

• direct representation on their behalf,

• supported referral to another organisation more appropriate to address the issue,

• assurance that their individual needs are met, which should include an individual advocacy plan, if desired,

• opportunity for being supported to have control and decision making power throughout the individual advocacy activity,

• protection for a parent's right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality at all times,

• participation and integration in the process while being assisted to utilise generic community based advocacy services where appropriate,

• strategies to further develop current parenting skills and competencies valued by the community,

• assurance of the speedy resolution of disputes and complaints and

• assurance that the advocacy service is delivered under sound and efficient management practices and upholds a person's human and legal rights at all times.

Service Provision - A Proactive Approach:

• Responsibility of Service Provision
• Legislated Rights
• When Service Provision Is Not There
• What You As A Service Provider Can Do
• Some Principles of Parent Focused Services
• What Some Parents Are Saying about Service Provision
• Challenges For Providing Services

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