Children and young people advocacy ensures that the voices, rights, and wishes of children are heard and respected, particularly in decisions affecting their lives.

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What is Advocacy for Children & Young People?

Advocacy is a process where trained professionals, known as advocates, support children and young people to express their views, make informed decisions, and have their rights upheld. Advocates act independently, focusing solely on the child’s perspective without imposing personal opinions. They help children participate in decisions about their care, education, health, or legal matters, and can speak on their behalf in meetings or challenging environments where the child may feel unsafe or unheard.

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Key Roles of Advocates

• Listening and Empowering: Advocates provide a safe space for children to share concerns and wishes, helping them feel understood and confident.

• Representation: They communicate the child’s views to professionals, social workers, schools, or legal authorities, ensuring decisions reflect the child’s best interests.

• Rights Protection: Advocates ensure that statutory rights, such as those under the Care Act 2014, are respected, particularly for looked-after or care-experienced children.

• Support in Complaints or Issues: They assist children in raising complaints or addressing specific issues, such as housing, family contact, or access to services.

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Who Can Access Advocacy Services?

Advocacy services are available to children and young people who:

• Are in care or have a social worker

• Are care leavers

• Face mental health challenges or learning difficulties

• Are navigating complex systems such as immigration or education.

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Examples of Advocacy Providers

• NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service): Offers advocacy, safeguarding, and empowerment services across England and Wales, focusing on care-experienced children and young people. 

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• Barnardo’s: Provides independent advocacy to ensure children’s rights are respected and their voices are heard in decision-making processes. 

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• The Children’s Society: Supports children with social workers, care leavers, and young refugees, offering issue-based advocacy and independent visitor services. 

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• Local Services: Many local authorities and NHS trusts provide children and young people’s services that include advocacy, mental health support, and transition planning for young adults. 

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Benefits of Advocacy

• Ensures children’s opinions influence decisions affecting their lives

• Protects vulnerable children from neglect or unfair treatment

• Builds confidence and self-advocacy skills

• Supports mental health and well-being by providing a trusted adult to listen and act on their behalf

Children and young people advocacy is a vital mechanism to empower young voices, safeguard rights, and improve outcomes for those in vulnerable situations, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to be heard and supported.

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