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.
The 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.
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
- Advocacy for children. Children and young people’s advocacy in England
Children’s Commissioner for England, June 2019 - Statements of Special Educational Needs, Education, Health and Care Plans and a bit more “The Noddy Guide”
David Wolfe QC, Matrix, Leon Glenister, Landmark, March 2019 - Mental health advocacy & human rights. Your guide
British Institute of Human Rights - Independent advocacy in child protection. Guidance for policy makers
Carolyne Willow (part of Involved by Right project funded by Daphne III programme of the EU), February 2013