support

 advocacy & support

There are many definitions of advocacy, but in essence it is speaking, acting and writing with minimal conflict of interest on behalf of the sincerely perceived interests of a disadvantaged person or group to promote, protect and defend their welfare and justice.

Other definitions may describe the process as standing alongside an individual who is disadvantaged and speaking out on their behalf. The term advocate is derived from the Latin ‘to be called to stand beside’. Good advocacy should be working in partnership and good listening and communication between the individual and advocate on equal levels.

Foster and kinship Carer Advocacy and Support Team (fast)

The Foster and Kinship Carer’s Association of Tasmania established FAST in 2005 with the aim of providing greater levels of support and advocacy for foster and kinship carers. This move was in response to both state and national surveys that indicated that carers would prefer to be supported by foster and kinship carer peak bodies and other foster and kinship carers.

FAST is a team of trained foster and kinship carers that have volunteered to provide support, advice and advocate on the behalf of other foster or kinship carers either in a group or individual basis. Some of the issues covered by FAST include the Child Safety legislation, funding for those in care, complaints in care, insurance, planning for leaving and after care guidelines.

Phone   1800 149 994