In 2000, Swedish Government Decision 2000-05 18 No 16 established a nationwide system of Personal Ombudsmen that provides support in decision-making for persons with severe mental or psychosocial disabilities. Personal Ombudsmen (POs) are highly skilled persons who do outreach work and establish, foremost, trusting relationships with individuals in need of support. They assist individuals in taking control of their own situation, identify care needs and ensure that they receive the necessary help. POs have no medical responsibility, nor do they make any decisions in the capacity of an authority; they work only to represent the individual. The framework in which the PO works may vary: usually, one municipality functions as the principal and has operative responsibility. In some places, foundations, voluntary associations, care associations or other coordinating bodies may have operative responsibility. At the international level, the PO system has proved crucial in convincing the delegations to the UN to opt for the wording “supported decision-making” in the UN CRPD, Article 12.
Internet: www.personligtombud.se // www.who.int
Ingrid commented on 02.03.2012:
On 19-20 March 2012 PO-Skåne, the leading organisation of Personal Ombudsmen, will be presented at a seminar in Sofia, Bulgaria. Amongst the participants will be the Vice Minister of Justice of Bulgaria!