Advocacy is an important role of Arcus. It can take many forms. Whether a caregiver is advocating internally, a family is advocating to the organization, or the organization is advocating externally, all are necessary to the well being of the client. The criteria should is that it is well directed, well documented and well presented.

In supporting people with severe disabilities, Arcus recognizes its profound responsibility to be ever vigilant of the need for advocacy. If resources become scarce the concern is that the people supported could be targeted as unworthy or dispensable members of our society.

In Arcus' many years of service advocacy has been an ever-present requirement of the job for its nurse-consultants. In that time much progress has been made in shifting attitudes. The 'circle of security' for Arcus clients in the local hospital system and community is widening. More nurses and doctors that clients are exposed to, beyond their primary supports, are demonstrating a respect for human rights and the dignity of the person.

Arcus' Director of Community Living has a particular passion for health care ethics and incorporates her knowledge and experiences into the teaching module of "Ethical Principles and Their Appreciation" for all new Arcus caregivers.

Arcus has a policy to ensure a high profile presence at the bedside of a client who is in hospital. Along with the comfort and security that this offers the client, it further serves to:

• provide timely advocacy
• provide an excellent 'modelling' opportunity
• provide an excellent teaching opportunity

Arcus recognizes that an integrated and seamless service delivery, both external and internal, is central to the efficiency and effectiveness of services being provided.

Arcus subscribes to the interdisciplinary whole team approach of service delivery. We maintain regular contact with external service providers in the professional community and ensure their inclusion at clients' personal service plan review meetings.

As a member of this multidisciplinary team, Arcus works collaboratively and effectively with the following community professionals: