Introduction

An advocate is someone who empowers children and young people to have their views, wishes and feelings heard in decisions being made about their lives. Advocacy puts children and young people’s views, wishes and feelings at the heart of the decision-making process. They are completely separate from Children’s Services and work for you. You should be informed of your right to advocacy when you first come into contact with local authority services, and at other times when decisions are being made that affect you.

Looked-after children, children in need, and care leavers must be given the choice to be represented by an advocate.

What can an advocate help me with?

An advocate may be able to help you if:

• You are unhappy with how you are being cared for
• You are angry or upset
• You feel you have not been treated fairly
• Someone hasn’t done something they said they would
• You have a complaint

What does an advocate do?

An advocate will:

• Make your wishes and feelings known
• Attend important meetings with the local authority or school on your behalf
• Provide information and advice to you
• Help you in making a complaint
• Talk to social workers and other professionals

How can I find an advocate?

There are different advocacy services for each local authority area across the country. You can find your local advocacy service by contacting the local authority who looks after you or supports you.

You can also use this search tool on the Coram Voice website.