Western NSW Disability Safeguarding & Rights Advocacy Network

Abiding Support Services is exploring the development of the Western NSW Disability Safeguarding & Rights Advocacy Network, a regional initiative designed to strengthen the rights, safety, inclusion and self-determination of people with disability across Western NSW.

This proposed program is being developed in response to the unique challenges experienced by people with disability in regional and remote communities, including social isolation, limited access to independent advocacy, barriers to service access, and increased vulnerability to abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination.

Our Vision

We believe every person with disability has the right to:

• Be heard and respected
• Exercise choice and control
• Participate fully in community life
• Make decisions about their own lives
• Access independent support when their rights are at risk
• Live free from abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination

Proposed Service Focus

The proposed advocacy network would focus on:

Individual Advocacy

Supporting people with disability to understand and exercise their rights, raise concerns, navigate complex systems and access appropriate services.

Safeguarding Support

Assisting individuals, families and carers to identify and respond to concerns relating to abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, restrictive practices and service-related issues.

Rights Education

Providing community-based information sessions and resources to increase awareness of disability rights, supported decision-making and safeguarding pathways.

Regional Outreach

Delivering outreach activities across Western NSW to improve access for people living in regional and remote communities.

Independence and Participant Rights

Abiding Support Services recognises the importance of independent advocacy.

Should advocacy activities be established, they will operate under a dedicated Advocacy Independence and Conflict of Interest Framework designed to:

• Protect participant choice and control
• Ensure advocacy decisions are made solely in the interests of the person with disability
• Identify, disclose and manage actual or perceived conflicts of interest
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy
• Support access to alternative advocacy providers where appropriate

Co-Design and Community Voice

The proposed program will seek guidance from people with disability, families, carers, Aboriginal communities and other local stakeholders to ensure services are responsive to local needs and priorities.