Resources for advocates

National standards for the provision of children’s advocacy services
Department of Health (statutory guidance), November 2002
(please note: Article 39 is pressing for the revision of the statutory standards for advocacy services for children in care and care leavers. We want them to be expanded to cover all of the different settings and scenarios in which children and young people are entitled to help from advocates. For now, advocacy services must follow the 2002 standards)

Right to advocacy

The current legal framework does not guarantee access to independent advocacy support to every child or young person in England who may need it. Here we set out the rights of children and young people to access help from an independent advocate in a variety of situations.

Understanding the law: an introduction

Our ‘Protecting children’s rights through the law’ guide breaks down the current legal framework in England to help advocates understand and use the law in their practice.

Children Act 1989 

Learn more about the cornerstone of our child protection and welfare system, including what duties it places on local authorities and what rights it gives to children and young people. Here you’ll find a small selection of guides developed with advocates in mind and addressing topics such as seeing and spending time with family, making representations (including complaints) under the Children Act 1989 procedure, and making sure children’s wishes and feelings are taken seriously.  

Equality Act 2010

Here you’ll find our accessible guide to the Equality Act 2010 developed specifically with independent advocates in mind.

EU Settlement Scheme

Seminar recording and useful links for advocates supporting children and young people who may need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Other resources