Advocate - has anyone experience of knowledge?

[Hadalifeonce]

My brother's social worker (DB has learning difficulties) is referring him to an advocate. Our mother has been reported to SWs for emotional abuse. But we are unsure if an advocate has any powers as such.

The advocacy service has a very good website that tells you their role. What is it you think they can help your db with.

It was suggested by the SW. My mother has complete control over DB.
e.g. We arranged some respite care for him which he was very keen on. We suggested he didn't say anything to DM until the day before he was due to go. Within 3 hours of dropping him back at home, she was on the phone saying he didn't want to go, he was in the backgound saying he did want to go. An hour later he was on the phone very distressed saying he couldn't go and asking me to cancel it, when I said I would visit the next day to talk about it he got very emotional saying he couldn't.

My concern is that an advocate wouldn't be able to change that kind of situation.

oh dear, hopefully the Advocate can speak up for him on his behalf, they and social services will hopefully get him the support he needs. does he live with mum? does she have power of attorney.

The advocacy worker role is to help express your brother’s views and opinions. They don’t have powers as such but are part of a wider network that will help the social worker to better assess your brother and his situation.

That is my fear, that nothing will change. yes, he does live with her, but we have put him down for sheltered housing; would an advocate be able to have any influence on a housing list?

DB can express himself when we are around, and we try to convince DM to listen and act accordingly. But, as soon as they are alone she reverts to type.

An advocacy worker is useful and in the situation you describe where it sounds like he is at risk and his needs aren’t being met is certainly worth it. I would advise advocacy in these circumstances, it definitely would be to your brother’s benefit. It’s not their role to access services or housing but it will strengthen and assist the social worker’s assessment.

Basically it will help your brother to have a voice

Thank you for your comments. We can just hope that he can soon be free of her.

Feel free to DM me if you want any further advice or information.

Advocacy really would be useful I think