Q: WHEN DO I NEED AN ADVOCATE?

A: When you feel that your needs and the needs of your child are not being met by the system (education, health, social services).

Q: WHAT EXPERIENCE SHOULD AN ADVOCATE HAVE?

A:  The advocate should have experience that incorporates knowledge of:

• SYSTEMS that impact children
• LAWS and LEGISLATION that will affect your child
• CHILD DEVELOPMENT
• STRATEGIES that work in enhancing a child’s development
• COMMUNITY resources
• PROGRAMS and SERVICES that will benefit your child

Q: IF MY ADVOCATE GOES TO MEETINGS, SHOULD I GO?

A: ABSOLUTELY!  If you cannot be at a meeting in person, then call in. If you cannot call in, your advocate should, prior to the meeting, discuss the purpose of the meeting with you and should call you following the meeting to provide a detailed report of what occurred.

Q: WHO MAKES THE DECISIONS ABOUT MY CHILD, THE ADVOCATE OR ME?

A: As the parent or guardian, you make the final decisions. Your advocate is there to provide you with the information and facts to assist you in making an informed decision.

Q: CAN I ADVOCATE FOR MY OWN CHILD?

A: ABSOLUTELY!  As the parent or guardian, YOU are the first advocate for your child.  Professional advocates are there to assist you by providing you with all of the information needed for you to be your child’s number one advocate.