Who is the service for? When can IDAS assist?
	It’s for indigenous people with most types of disabilities, their families and carers when the person they are looking after needs help. The IDAS can assist you if you’ve been unfairly treated or are confused about a big decision.
What does Advocacy means?
	Advocacy means ‘standing by’ someone or ‘speaking out’ for someone’s rights, or ‘going into bat’ for another person – ‘being on their side’, when they are having problems.
What area does the service cover?
	The IDAS is funded to service Western Sydney and Regional centres in areas of high need in NSW in consultation with FaCS and DADHC.
How much does the service cost?
	Nothing – it’s free.
What do I have to do to get service?
	You have to make contact by telephone, personal visit or another agency can contact [refer you] us on your behalf. You must complete a consent form before any advocacy can take place. In special circumstances the IDAS can commence advocacy before forms are signed.
Why do I have to sign a consent form?
	The IDAS is not permitted to advocate on a person’s behalf unless they sign a consent form and return it to IDAS.
What type of advocacy and support does IDAS offer?
	· Discrimination – assist you to consider or undertake HREOC or ADB complaint. · Information and options – primarily provide you with assistance and strategies to self advocate. · Counseling – listen to you and assist you to deal with issues that cannot be easily altered. · Negotiation – informal negotiations via letters, e-mail, telephone or in person to get outcome you request, eg: negotiating with organisations and individuals. · Link to other services – assisting primarily by linking you to an appropriate service, eg: Homecare, Creditline, sexual assault services, Community living support services, etc. · Support – providing you with direct support eg: at court, at a case conference or other meetings. · Complaint process – assist you in a formal process eg: Ombudsman, Police, Centrelink, Social Security Appeals Tribunal, Complaints Resolution and Referral Service, Health Care Complaint Commission, etc. · Legal help or options – assist you to obtain legal help and advice in relation to a legal matter. IDAS does not give legal advice.