Sunday 27 April 2014

An Overview Of What A Special Needs Advocate Is

By Agnes Dickson


When a person has been diagnosed with something that they may need assistance with, that person is generally termed as in need of special services. Whether a person has a mental, physical, or psychological condition, it is recommended that the person has a special needs advocate. This is a person that speaks on the behalf of the person in need.

You or someone you know might be involved with certain legal venues, and a representative has the training that you need to allow him to effectively represent the person afflicted by a condition in courtroom settings, government proceedings, or school environments. Generally, some conditions make it difficult for person with certain conditions to participate equally in any mandated proceeding, and he may struggle in different ways. A representative is assigned to ensure that the affected person can participate equally and is not taken advantage of. They are also assigned when the court assumes that he cannot represent himself effectively in legal matters or speak on his own behalf.

Advocates may provide a variety of services to adults in need as well, even when children are involved with family services around the world. They will typically interview the affected person as well as his family to collect any important information in order to best service them. They will provide information regarding responsibilities as well as rights. They may also report to the judge, staff, or other workers involved with an active interest in the person affected.

When a person with certain conditions gets involved with a family service or legal issue, the representative may assist in developing a plan and a set of goals for the family to meet. A representative can represent minors as well as people with medical conditions. Some medical conditions automatically qualify the individual for legal assistance.

In reference to minor children or a person that has certain medical conditions, a representative may be appointed because some government facilities and the court may assume that the person represented does not have the appropriate capacity to determine their own needs or represent themselves in their own best interest. The court or an entity will attempt to protect such persons by naming appointed representatives. In cases where there is child abuse involved or where a person has a medical condition.

Representatives are also known as guardian ad litums in legal proceedings. When person has a certain disabling condition or an unsound mind, a guardian ad litum will be appointed when asset collection or custody disputes are involved and the plaintiff is seeking power of attorney. When a child enters the government system or foster care system, a guardian will most certainly be appointed.

The guardians may work in specific areas such as disabilities or mental conditions. They may work for a person of this nature to ensure that his rights are advocated. Certain things that a representative will work to achieve such as government payments or modifications in a learning environment would be beneficial to the client.

Generally, clients do not have to pay for representation, unless they choose to seek outside help. Most circumstances where a person is disabled or has a mental condition will not require a client to pay for equal and fair participation, that burden is upon the courts, hospitals, schools, and government facilities. There are many licensed professionals that may not be court appointed that can provide services not covered under disability law. For example, if a person is applying for government assistance, it may not be required for them to provided legal representation; these factors depend on the mental and physical conditions of a person.




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