Volunteer programs
Safeguarding during the pandemic
OPA supports more than 650 volunteers who provide support for people with disability or mental illness across Victoria.
Following a temporary suspension of recruitment due to COVID-19, the Community Visitors Program is recruiting again.
The health and safety of the people we advocate for, our volunteers and employees has always been, and will continue to be, our top priority.
Independent Third Person Program
Independent Third Persons (ITPs) attend police interviews for adults and young people with disability to ensure that they are not disadvantaged during the interview process. Police interviews often require people to comprehend complex issues and information quickly, understand their legal rights, and be able to communicate with people in positions of authority.
Read more about Independent Third Persons >>
Corrections Independent Support Officer Program
Corrections Independent Support Officers (CISO) provide assistance and support to prisoners with a diagnosed intellectual disability during disciplinary hearings, at all adult prisons in Victoria. All CISOs are experienced volunteer Independent Third Persons (ITPs). OPA draws all volunteer CISOs from current ITPs and does not accept volunteers from outside this program.
Read more about Corrections Independent Support Officers >>
Community Guardian Program
In some cases, the Public Advocate may delegate her power of guardianship to to a volunteer participating in the OPA Community Guardian program. The key responsibilities of Community Guardians are to promote the best interests of the person with disability, ensure that decisions are the least restrictive to the person’s freedom, take into account the wishes of the person and, where possible, put them into effect.
Read more about community guardians >>
Community Visitors
OPA's Community Visitors are volunteers empowered by law to visit Victorian disability accommodation services, supported residential services and mental health facilities and enquire into the wellbeing of residents and patients.
Read more about Community Visitors >>