The health care and education systems are generally not organized to work well together. The mental health system can often feel unresponsive. At the DIY Advocacy Center, we follow the 5-step process outlined below to get you grounded in a solid plan and boost you to be the strongest advocate for your family.
Step 1 – Gathering & Sorting Information – In our first session together, we will review what you have in place, what is working, what doesn’t seem to be getting the job done, what you would like to see for your child, and what’s been getting in the way. I will share with you what we can offer by way of presenting new information you may not already know and support you in defining your vision for a person-centered plan that we can work together to start implementing right away. (90 mins)
Step 2 – Mapping Your Plan – During session 2, we will create a plan that identifies ways in which your child’s needs can be better met and how to get the necessary supports and services in place. Fortified with a solid sense of a plan that puts your child in the center, you will become clearer about what you can ask of the providers in your child’s life. (90 mins)
Step 3 – Busting Barriers & Activating Your Advocacy Strategy – In looking more closely at the barriers that are in the way of your child’s success, we will explore what can be done to break through whatever is hindering the plan from functioning to your child’s benefit. We will strengthen your skills and effectiveness in communicating with your child’s providers and reinforcing a team approach that is coordinated and co-supportive. (60 mins)
Step 4 – Phone support – After completing steps 1-3, we are just a phone call away to assist as you implement the plan and and incorporate it into your daily life. Your needs and ideas will determine what makes the best sense for you to engage us in your process.
Step 5 – Review and Adjust Your Plan – Living your plan is going to be a dynamic and adaptive process. Inherent to the plan is flexibility as you discover what works and what needs adjusting. Reviewing the information we began with in Step #1 will serve you to be responsive to newly emerging needs as your child’s wellness and your family’s circumstances evolve. (60 mins | Quarterly or as needed)
In addition to the process outlined above, you will have access to other membership services and advocacy-building opportunities, including Seminars, Workshops, Events and inclusion in the Community that is the DIY Advocacy Center Network.