Did you know that children/young people who are involved with Children’s Services (Care & Support, Child Protection, Looked After, Child Health & Disability and Care Leavers) have a right to an Advocate if they feel need help to get something stopped, started or changed?
Who are Advocates?
An Advocate ensures a child/young person's voice is heard, championing the child/young person's wishes and views, and ensuring those wishes are acted upon by the adults in a child and young person's life.
What kinds of issues can an Advocate help with?
An Advocate will be led by the child/young person with whatever issue is of concern to them. Examples of the types of things we can help with are:
• Living arrangements
• Seeing family and/or other people who are important in the child/young person’s life
• Support them at their meetings
• Education
• Leaving care
• Support with making a complaint
• Getting legal advice and representation
How can children and young people get an Advocate
Children/young people can contact NYAS directly to ask for an Advocate.
Parents, guardians, foster carers and professionals can alsorefer children/young people on their behalf to the Advocacy Service with their consent. There is no referral criteria - only that the child/young person is open to Children’s Services.
To refer a child/young person to the Advocacy Service, click the button below.
