Principles that Guide Homelife

Services provided by Homelife Association Inc are based upon the following concepts that will guide decision-making in the development of services, projects and their delivery:

The Inherent Dignity of Each Individual
This concept means that all human beings are born with inherent dignity, intrinsic value and equal and inalienable rights. The inherent dignity of a person and their intrinsic value is not affected by what they can or can’t do or the choices they make.

Their equal and inalienable rights are not compromised by type of disability. All individuals should be respected and protected. Recognising this intrinsic value and associated rights leads us to principles of social justice.

Social Justice
The four concepts of social justice are rights, equity, participation and access.

The concepts of social justice recognise that people with a disability have the same human rights as other members of society and should be empowered to exercise these rights. Homelife works to protect and advance the rights of people with a disability.

We also have a responsibility to educate individuals with a disability about their rights and their social obligations. In particular, people with a disability have the right to respect for their human worth and dignity as individuals and have the right to participate equally as valued members of society.

Social Role Valorisation
We uphold the belief that the best outcome to ensure recognition of these rights for people with a disability, is to operate upon the concepts of Social Role Valorisation, which aims towards creating or maintaining socially valued roles for people. In virtually all societies, certain characteristics or attributes of people come to be highly valued, while others are devalued.

In Western society, characteristics such as wealth, youth, beauty, intelligence and independence are valued. Further, people who do not possess these attributes are consequently seen as having less value and devalued people tend to be rejected and treated in ways that diminish their dignity, growth, competence and general well being.

The basic assumption of the social role valorisation theory is that if a person's social role is considered valuable by the community, and the person has a general image of competency within that role, it follows that the person will be thought of in a positive way.

Examples of social roles include householder, spouse, sister, friend, club member and employee. People with disabilities also occupy important social roles in their families and communities.

According to the theory of social role valorisation, being seen to occupy a valued social role may help reduce or prevent a person from becoming devalued on the basis of some attribute or characteristic they possess.

Least Restrictive Alternative
This Principle means meeting individual needs and facilitating individual growth and development in ways that least restricts personal freedom whilst recognising the need for safety and security. The provision of more services or supervision than are necessary only serves to discourage the developing independence of the individual. The principle recognises the right of individuals to live in an environment, which is the most supportive, and the least restrictive of their freedom.

Dignity of Risk
This Principle means that every person is provided with an opportunity to be exposed to normal risk situations based upon recognition of individual skills and cognitive levels.
All decisions in this regard are to be based upon the idea of ‘reasonableness’ of care.

Duty of Care
Every person has the ‘right’ to the protection and the making of balanced judgements relative to safety and personal security.
All decisions made in regards to the support of people are to be based upon the idea of ‘reasonableness’ of care.

Holistic Approach to the Individual
Everyone must be recognised as a Social, Emotional, Sexual and Spiritual person with the same needs and desires as other people in our community for growth, intimacy and expression.

Wellness and Recovery
Every person who experiences mental health issues needs to be supported in their own recovery. There is no limit to recovery. Hope, Personal Responsibility, Self Advocacy, Education and Support are key elements to Recovery.


The Developmental Model
The developmental model implies that each person, regardless of the severity of their disability, has the potential to grow and develop. Learning can occur throughout the whole of the person lifespan and occurs uniquely at each persons pace. Development can occur in any one or all of a person’s lifestyle: personal and emotional growth, psychological development, opportunities for educational and vocational skill development, social and physical development and the development of communication skills.