“I found having an advocate gave me confidence to speak out and say what I think.”
An Advocate is different from any other professional.
They are there to help and support you and to make sure you are involved in all decisions about your life. Advocates also help you speak out when things go wrong. They make sure you know your rights and help you to get the support you need from Children’s Services.
How can my Advocate help me?
- They will always be on your side.
- They will tell you about your rights and give you information and advice about the things you should get from Children’s Services, your social worker, foster carer or where you are living.
- They can go with you to meetings with your social worker, such as your Pathway Plan meeting or Looked After Child (LAC) review, to help you say the things that are important to you.
- If you are unhappy about how you are being treated by Children’s Services or if you are worried about what is happening, they can help sort out any problems or concerns.
- They can make sure people listen to you.
- They will make sure you understand what professionals are saying and help you to say what you want to say.
What is an advocate (accessible)
Accessible advocacy explanation with widgit symbols
Find out more
To find out more about how to get an advocate you can contact our Advocacy Helpline or Find your Local Advocate.