ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT ADVANTAGES OF SUPPORTING CLIENTS FINANCIALLY  an overcome barriers that prevent clients from C accessing documentation, improving project outcomes.  an ensure positive working relations with the C community. DISADVANTAGES OR CHALLENGES OF SUPPORTING CLIENTS FINANCIALLY Expensive.  ay generate tensions among the community M if criteria are not understood, or if this reduces engagement with other NGOs that are unable to offer financial support. How to ensure accompaniment is empowering •N  ever fill in forms for a client unless they are unable to read and write in the relevant language. •O  nly cover administrative fees as a last resort. If possible, suggest alternative methods of funding, such as by establishing communal contribution boxes for birth registration and community supervision of on-time birth registration. •H  ave the client lead as much as possible to motivate communities into taking a proactive role in matters of birth and nationality documentation. •D  o not speak for the client during meetings with authorities; instead discuss beforehand what the client might say to resolve their issue. •O  nly take action on behalf of a client where they are unable to themselves. •C  heck in with clients throughout the process to ensure they understand what is happening and what officials are doing. •S  eek commitment from a client that he or she will help two or more people in their community with the same process after they receive help. 9.4 Advocacy When it proves difficult to obtain a positive outcome for a client, paralegals might ask decision-makers for help directly, giving them information and arguments that may enable them to resolve the issue. Targets for advocacy will vary depending on the location, context, and nature of the issue you are seeking to resolve. They might include, for example: • Local officials involved in issuance of documentation. • Village chiefs (requesting a fee for their services as a witness). • Providers of services that undocumented clients cannot access. • Security forces (mistreating or extorting those without papers at check points). A C O M M U N I T Y- B A S E D P R A C T I T I O N E R ’ S G U I D E : D O C U M E N T I N G C I T I Z E N S H I P A N D OT H E R F O R M S O F L E G A L I D E N T I T Y | 109