Volunteer Michael Ahgren
Special Representative and Administrator.
Since of March 2009 I'm a Special Representative and Administrator in Österåker county. It's an extremely rewarding job as I get instant feedback from everything I do. Giving money to charity is great, but helping people in this very direct and practical way is something that suites me very well.
Here is an explanation of what I do:
To be appointed as special representative is an assignment whereby the special representative performs tasks on behalf of someone. This assignment is important as it is founded on the belief that everyone in Sweden should have equal rights regardless of her/his capacity. Someone who has had a special representative or administrator appointed is called the principal.
The special representative can assist the principal with the payment of bills and taking care of things that he or she owns. But it is not always sufficient with a special representative to help an individual in a good way. If someone cannot take care of her/himself or her/his property, the district court can appoint an administrator. An individual with an administrator must have the consent of the administrator to conclude contracts or implement legal acts in other ways. An administrator consequently has sole control of the property subject to the administration.
A special representative or an administrator may be appointed for an individual for many different reasons. Usually a person is in some way impeded from protecting her/his rights, administering her/his property or looking after her/himself. Everyday life can be easier for a person with a disability with a special representative who, for example, can attend to contacts with social welfare authorities and others. For many people a special representative or administrator may be vital for their lives, in order to reduce the harmful effects of substance abuse or illness. The person can then obtain assistance to deal with bills and the contacts with social welfare authorities.
Special Representatives and Administrators are paid a symbolic yearly fee by the county (if the principal has no income) or the principal.
Managing the network for Special Representatives and Administrators.
To avoid that we Special Representatives and Administrators invent the wheel over and over again, I started the network for Special Representatives and Administrators in Österåker County.
In this group we can exchange knowledge and experiences as well as offer each other moral support, when that's needed.
The members of this group are mainly Special Representatives and Administrators who have clients/principals with very challenging issues.