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This report presents the findings of an evidence review investigating the costs, benefits and effectiveness of independent advocacy support for disabled people.

Independent advocacy involves a partnership between a concerned member of the community (advocate) and a person who may be feeling vulnerable, isolated or disempowered.

The completion of this research fulfils a commitment made by the Government in 2008’s Independent Living Strategy.

The review examined four situations where disabled people are particularly at risk of losing choice and control over their lives:

• During transition to adulthood
• When the children of disabled parents are subject to safeguarding procedures
• When entry to residential care is a possibility
• When disabled people are victims or alleged perpetrators of anti-social behaviour

Very limited evidence was found about the costs, benefits or need for advocacy in these four situations. Existing evidence is mainly from small-scale qualitative studies making it difficult to generalise findings.

However, the review found that whilst the outcomes achieved by the disabled person did not always match their wishes, the support provided by the advocate was positive. This included having a better understanding of the process a disabled person was going through and receiving emotional support.

A framework for research on costs and benefits of independent advocacy is also published today. The report describes how evidence can be collected to fill the information gaps identified in this review.

Notes to Editors:

1. Three reports are published today by the Office for Disability Issues:
   • Access to independent advocacy: an evidence review
   • Access to independent advocacy: an evidence review – executive summary, including Easy Read
   • A framework for research on costs and benefits of independent advocacy

They are available on the ODI website: http://www.odi.gov.uk/research/research-reports.php. Audio and Braille copies are available on request, details available on the website.

2. This research was conducted independently by Norah Fry Research Centre at the University of Bristol. The report authors are Linda Davies, Ruth Townsley, Linda Ward and Anna Marriott.
3. This research fulfils commitment 8.2 in the Government’s Independent Living Strategy. ‘Independent Living Strategy: A cross-government strategy about independent living for disabled people’ is available on the ODI website: http://www.odi.gov.uk/working/independent-living/strategy.php

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