The advocate's primary responsibility is to represent the
best interests of the student in the educational process.
The advocate will empower, inform, guide and educate parents/guardians and
students to strengthen their own advocacy skills.
The advocate will continue to upgrade skills and knowledge through attendance
at relevant training sessions, courses, and conferences.
The advocate will confer with other appropriate professionals as required.
The advocate will refer to other appropriate professionals when the client's needs require training, knowledge, or skills
outside of the advocate's experience or expertise.
The advocate will advise the client to seek legal counsel or representation
as needed and appropriate
The advocate will clearly detail any contractual issues prior to being engaged for services.
The
advocate will respect the confidentiality of all written records and verbal communications and will obtain written consent
for the exchange of information.
If the advocate has an ongoing financial or other relationship with any public
school system, private school, clinic, private practitioner, or other individual that is or may be perceived as a conflict
of interest, the advocate will reveal that potential conflict to the client and determine appropriate representation with
the client.
The advocate will not discriminate against any client on
the basis of gender, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or disability.
