A children’s advocate is someone who can communicate the wishes and feelings of a child or young person in circumstances where they would normally be hesitant to do so.
A child’s advocate fulfils a number of roles including but not limited to – explaining to a child what is happening, particularly in matters such as custody, fostering, adoption, prosecution, assisting them in complaining or challenging decisions made which involve them and referring them to appropriate support services.
They can also:
- Ensure that a child's or young person's legal and human rights are upheld.
- Make sure that a child's or young person's wishes are known.
- Can attend decision making meetings with schools on the child's or young person's behalf.
- Help a child or young person prepare for meetings with a social worker and negotiate for them
- Speak on the child’s or young person's behalf
If your child or young person is in a position whereby they need this support, please contact us immediately.
