Advocating on behalf of a service user
Learning Objectives
This resource offers insight into different scenarios where service users might need someone to advocate on their behalf and invites you to consider what form this advocacy could take.
Service users may not always have the confidence to speak up, or the power to make their voices heard if they do. In these cases, social workers can play an important role in articulating and representing their needs to others.
In this video, students share their experiences of when they have had to advocate for a service user.
Reflective Questions
- In what situations would you adopt an advocacy role as a social worker? What values (personal and professional) would you be drawing on in doing so?
- How do you think advocating for a service user would affect other professionals' and practitioners' perception of you and your role?
- What specific communication skills do you need in order to advocate sensitively and effectively on a service user's behalf?