COMPASS Code of Practice
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This Code of practice covers the advocacy service provided by COMPASS. Compass provides an advocacy service to people with Mental Health issues who are users of Mental Health services in the Nelson, Tasman and Golden Bay ares. The Code of Practice aims to clarify the way that advocacy is provided by this agency. All people who use our service are seen as service users. A copy of the Code of Practice will be given to each service user.- Advocates employed within Compass will treat service users with respect and dignity at all times
- Advocates will ensure that potential service users are aware of the service provided by Compass
- Advocates will ensure that the relevant health and community support staff are aware of Compass and it's work.
- Advocates will only act or speak on behalf of a service user if instructed to do so by the service user. Most information given to Compass by service users will remain confidential between Compass, and the service user unless the advocates are instructed to inform others by the service user.
- However advocates will disclose information to others if service users inform Compass that they are suicidal or threatening to harm others. Advocates will first inform service users that they will be disclosing such information and request that service users accompany them.
- Advocates will encourage and support service users to develop and foster their self advocacy skills, and will speak with, rather than for their service user, where this is not possible - Advocates will take the time to ensure that they have mandate/instructions from the service user concerned. Service users have the right to be present when the Advocate is discussing them or their circumstances. Advocates will not make decisions or choices on behalf of their service user.
- Advocates must discuss and explore the various options and will attempt to provide full and balanced information so that the service user can make an informed choice.
- Advocates must ensure that it is the service user who makes decisions and choices, even if this process is slow or uncertain.
- Advocates are not counselors of therapists, nor are they advice workers. However they will assist and support service users in contacting agencies and help identify opportunity routes. Advocates will not decide which options or routes are the priority.
- Advocates will not act as agents for people by assuming power to deal with their affairs, except where a service user has directed it in writing or as part of an advanced directive. Advocates will discuss these issues within supervision as they arise.
- Advocates will not impose their personal views on to their service user.
- Advocates will disclose to their service users complete details of all communication concerning them.
- Advocates will not borrow money or valuables from their service users or any other related party.
- Advocates will not accept gifts from service users for the service provided.
- Advocates are committed to providing support and assistance to service users without fee or charge.
- Compass and it's employed Advocates will inform service users on how they can complain about the service provided and the procedure for dealing with complaints.
- If service users have any suggestions/requests or comments on Compass, please feel free to talk to the advocate.
- Advocates will be expected to carry out their duties and service within Compass Equal Opportunities framework.
- Advocates will support service users in formal meetings, hearings, assessments and reviews when requested by the service user. This does not hinder or affect the service users right to have specialist advice or legal representation present.
- Advocates will not sign or receive documents that gives them access or allows them to know details about their service users health or social care (this includes medical records, social reports, court reports, care plans or treatment plans), without the written consent of the service user.
- Advocates are expected not to make any commitment that they know they cannot fulfill.
- Advocates will act and carry out their duties within the law.
If you need help in understanding any points in this Code of Practice please do not hesistate to ask an advocate or ring our freephone number on: 0800 212 798 or contact the Coordinator on 03 548 2798 ext 0 or email us on compass@healthaction.org.nz
