Child Advocates help children in care understand and express their rights.
As a foster or kinship carer, you know how important it is for children to feel heard and understood. That’s where the child advocates from the Office of the Public Guardian come in. They work to ensure children in care have a voice in decisions that affect their lives.
What is a child advocate?
A child advocate works directly with children and young people in care to help them understand their rights and express their views. They focus on empowering children to participate in decisions about their lives, whether it’s about their care arrangements, education, or other important matters.
How do child advocates help?
Child advocates provide tailored support to children and young people in care. They:
- Explain children’s rights in a way that’s easy to understand
- Help children prepare for meetings, such as family group meetings or court hearings
- Speak up on behalf of children if they feel their voices aren’t being heard
- Work with other agencies to ensure children’s needs are met.
Child advocates are independent and work solely in the best interests of the child. They ensure that children’s voices are heard and that their views are taken seriously by decision-makers.
Why are child advocates important?
Children in care often face difficult and complex situations. They may feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to express their thoughts and feelings. Child advocates help children navigate these challenges by:
- Giving them a safe space to talk about their concerns
- Helping them to understand what’s happening in their lives and why certain decisions are being made
- Ensuring their voices are heard in decisions that affect them.
When should a child advocate be involved?
A child advocate can be involved whenever a child in care needs support to express their views or understand their rights. This could include situations like:
- Preparing for court appearances or legal proceedings
- Attending family group meetings or case planning meetings
- Addressing concerns about their care arrangements or treatment.
If you think a child in your care would benefit from the support of a child advocate, you can contact us.
For more information, visit child advocate.