Children's experience of advocacy
All too often children in care need people to speak for them. They need an advocate that will state their case, particularly if they are vulnerable. But what do children think of these advocates and what do they perceive advocacy to be? A new report Children’s experience of advocacy from Dr Roger Morgan, Children’s Rights Director for England, presents the views of children and looks at the experiences of advocacy provision for children who are in care or receiving children’s social care services.
Just over half the children questioned had heard of advocacy, but local availability and knowledge varied widely. They saw advocates as people who listened to them, spoke out for them and fought their corner. For some, advocates are advisers, while others only want people who will represent their views.
Seven out of 10 children had experienced people advocating for them. However, only a third of those were truly advocates. The majority were social workers, parents or key workers. Those helped by advocates were very positive. Nine out of 10 said their advocate had made a difference for them, although half said they had sometimes put their own opinions forward rather than sticking to the child’s views.
Just under half thought advocates needed training as well as being naturally good listeners and speakers. Also, half thought advocates should be independent of social care services. However, a third thought they should be part of those services so they would know about them and be able to influence them. Most children wanted a choice of advocate and didn’t support combining the roles of advocacy and independent visitors. They wanted a wider availability of advocates, and not just those dealing with complaints work. However, some wanted advocates to take on a different role and act as independent personal advisers.
The report is available at the following link:
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/publications/070139
