This briefing draws on evidence in relation to advocacy with both children and adults and on literature from the fields of health and social care.
Download Advocacy: models and effectiveness
Key learning points
- There is a range of models of advocacy, each with distinctive characteristics relating to type of work undertaken, length of involvement and appropriate person who should undertake the role
- There is a limited evidence base about the effectiveness of advocacy. This is primarily due to differing definitions and a lack of understanding about the role of advocacy
- There is some evidence to suggest that the advocacy process promotes increased self-confidence and ensures the voices of people who access services are heard
- Geographically, the availability of advocacy is varied across Scotland, particularly for specialist forms of advocacy
- Advocates require a significant set of skills to undertake the role effectively; there is a need for ongoing training and regular supervision to maximise effectiveness
Features of good practice
Common features that are important for an advocate to exhibit include:
- A calm thoughtful and sensitive disposition
- The ability to raise relevant issues on behalf of the person in an appropriate and fair manner
- Good at building relationships with people
- Provision of support to individual when upset
- Ensure the person’s views are discussed and incorporated
- The ability to be succinct, articulate, thorough and offer alternative ways of thinking
- Facilitate understanding among other professionals of the person’s situation