If the Public Advocate is appointed by the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) to become someone's guardian, that person becomes OPA's client.
The Public Advocate and the delegated guardians advocate for OPA's clients.
There are some situations where the OPA will advocate for an individual who is not an OPA client.
This might include:
- helping carers or private guardians to access services or work with service providers
- helping to protect someone who is unable to make their own decisions from discrimination, abuse or neglect.