The Independent Advocacy project commenced in October 2004. Inclusion Ireland together with Comhairle and the HSE Dublin North East came together to develop a model of best practice for an independent professional advocacy service for people with an intellectual disability and challenging behaviour. Inclusion Ireland was responsible for the employment and support of the advocate and line management of the project. The overall management of the project was the responsibility of the management committee which consisted of representatives from Inclusion Ireland, Comhairle, the HSE Dublin North East and individuals who have expert knowledge in challenging behaviour and intellectual disability. The project was initiated in October 2004 and has now been in place for 18 months. The advocate, Dr. Damien McCullagh was employed by Inclusion Ireland. Dr. Damien McCullagh is a psychologist with experience of the area of challenging behaviour and learning disability.

The advocates duties and responsibilities included:

1. Upholding client’s basic human rights.
2. To ascertain clients wishes were possible, and were these are not possible their best interests.
3. Assess client’s ability to make decisions and where necessary support the client in making informed decisions.
4. Assess the effect of residential programme on client.

Outcomes to date

1. A greater awareness around the benefits of advocacy amongst the Management, Staff and Families of Service Users
2. A solid model of advocacy for people with complex and challenging behaviour has been developed and implemented within the Service.
3. A greater awareness of the needs and rights of people with complex and challenging behaviour amongst the staff and families of people availing of the service.
4. The possibility of mainstreaming the service within the Health Service Executive
5. Further interim funding has been allocated to the project while negotiations are ongoing with Comhairle and the HSE to fund the project for a further two years.

Further information from info@inclusionireland.ie