Wmo client support for municipalities
Everyone likes to participate in society. People with disabilities or chronic illnesses also like to lead happy and valuable lives. After all, they are more than their disability. But in organizing their daily lives, they often encounter barriers, literally and figuratively. Going to school, working, living independently, health, sports, dealing with rules and money. It takes more energy and perseverance. From themselves and those around them.

To help people with disabilities, the government has created many laws and regulations and organized services. But these regulations are often unknown to the very people for whom they are intended. It can also sometimes be difficult to fathom all these regulations and to make sense of the (unintentional) jungle of possibilities. Independent client support offers a solution.

What is independent client support Wmo?
Client support is defined in the Social Support Act (Wmo) as follows:
“Independent support with information, advice and general support in the areas of social support, preventive care, healthcare, youth assistance, education, welfare, housing, work and income that contributes to strengthening self-reliance and participation and obtaining the most comprehensive services possible.”

What does an independent client advocate do?
An independent client supporter thinks along with someone, helps understand his or her situation and provides information and advice if necessary. This can involve questions in all kinds of areas of life: housing, income, work, day care, sports, transportation, parenting or care.

• A client support worker helps formulate the resident's requests for help, find appropriate help and support, prepare for and conduct the kitchen table interview, and apply for a settlement.
• A client advocate has current knowledge of relevant laws and regulations and is knowledgeable about community services.
• Client support is independent and assumes the best interests of the client.
• Client support is for all ages and all areas of life: including, for example, education or the Youth Act.
• A client advocate does not provide care or long-term assistance themselves.

Streamlined process, rapid deployment
With this knowledge and expertise, an independent client advocate ensures a streamlined process and rapid deployment of (sometimes preventive) measures. As a result, the right care can be arranged more quickly. Also, people who need care or support know where they stand sooner. This prevents escalation of the situation in which people find themselves and unnecessary ‘care shopping.

How do municipalities deploy client supporters?
The way in which client supporters are deployed varies by municipality. Sometimes as part of the (social) district team. Sometimes separately from the district team. The support also differs. Independent client support can be used to find the right care, to solve problems between care providers and clients, and sometimes for prevention. For example, some municipalities deploy specialized client supporters to support young people in shaping their future prospects.

Telephone consultation hours are held every weekday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.