Advocacy

Baptistcare has identified advocacy as one of its strategic goals for 2011 to 2016. Baptistcare’s advocacy policy is based on three principles:

  • our commitment to person-centredness
  • our Christian ethos
  • human rights principles.

There are also three arms to advocacy:

  • self advocacy
  • individual advocacy
  • systemic advocacy

You will notice advocacy at work in Baptistcare in the following areas:

  • We will put our values of courage and justice into action by showing leadership in the way we speak up on behalf of those who are vulnerable or marginalised by mainstream society.
  • By contributing to peak bodies and engaging with government, Baptistcare will speak out on behalf of older people, those who are affected by mental illness and people with disabilities.
  • People who receive services from Baptistcare will be given opportunities to become self-advocates - people who are empowered to express their personal wishes, needs and fears in a safe and supportive environment.
  • Baptistcare will provide opportunities for individuals to be involved in designing the services they receive and for representatives of the organisation’s various client groups to contribute to the decision-making process at all levels of the organisation.
  • Responsive and transparent complaints and feedback policies will contribute to the improvement of Baptistcare’s services in the future.
  • Policies and procedures that honour diversity will reflect the organisation’s commitment to providing programmes, services and resources that are accessible, inclusive and culturally appropriate.
  • Baptistcare will acknowledge international conventions, national legislation and state legislation related to human rights, discrimination and the protection of vulnerable people.