Zealous Representation and Advocacy in a Collaborative System Choosing the most effective advocacy for different situations

2 Relationship  Clients must develop a relationship with the department  Attorneys can model such successful relationships

3 Mediation  Exploration of clients’ strengths and needs  Help balance the power by preparing clients, guide them to making their own requests for help, more able to accept if their idea

4 Supporting Dignity  Advocate for cognitively appropriate services  Simple manners can help client have a framework of honor

5 Communication Strategies  Homeless - set times to call  Non-English speaking - interpreters  Illiterate – iconic letters  Educate on effective use of voic , helps you communicate with client and client with department and providers, complete messages

6 Cultivating Human Resources  Social workers  Support staff with the court and the Department (may need a secretary to walk down the hall to slip a note under a door)  Providers

7 Use Disclosure Offers  Easily accessible background information in the department file  Set enough time to review, may be hidden treasures or land mines  Determine department policy on copies

8 Communication with Represented Individuals  Social workers – if asking a “difficult” question of a social worker outside of the presence of his counsel, suggest he consult before answering  Get permission from other counsel in the case before having unsupervised contact with client, adult or child, possibly a signed waiver

9 Personality Conflicts  Gain power by naming it  Yours or you clients?  Mediate  Use supervisors  Ask questions

10 Invitation to Do the Right Thing  Ask questions instead of making statements  Let others think it’s their good idea  Don’t be afraid to use your power for good

11 Two Heads May Be Better Than One  Ask for support  Become someone’s protégé  Don’t ask the judge or opposing counsel for advice  Use the social work concept of “supervision”

12 When All Else Fails Know when to suck it up and file.

13 Healthy Distance Recognize and Prevent:  Compassion fatigue  Secondary trauma  Burn out