Legal News

The Children’s Society report analyses the benefits of independent advocacy for looked after children.
A report by The Children’s Society has revealed that a strong statutory guidance was needed to make sure that every child in the care system had the access to vital independent advocacy.
The value of independent advocacy for looked after children and young people has found that at the moment children and young people in care were experiencing inconsistency across England in getting advocacy help which can have a massive impact on their lives.
Some of the most vulnerable groups of children, including disabled and very young children, too often experience the greatest difficulties when accessing about who could provide independent advocacy services.
The charity, which runs nine advocacy services across England, reviewed 142 cases and found that providing children with this support can lead to stronger care placements, boost educational attainment and have other enormous benefits.
The report looks in detail at the availability and impact of independent advocacy on the lives of children and young people and evaluates its cost effectiveness. It reveals the short-term cost of investing in this area, on average £31 an hour, often leads to significant longer terms savings to local authorities and other public bodies.
The role of an independent advocate or a child solicitor was to make sure that children in care have their views heard and acted upon. An advocate works directly with the child, giving them the opportunity to make their opinion known when it comes to decisions about their lives.

Matthew Reed, Chief Executive of The Children's Society, said while working with children when advocacy works well it can have a significant benefit to a child's life, playing a crucial part in their future success and happiness. It is a life-changing tool.
The report also showed that the statutory obligations on local authorities were inadequate which in turn caused inconsistency in young people’s access to an independent advocate.
He added that the Society would like to see the national advocacy standards amended and guidance published so that the local authorities were told how best they could support these. It is vital that children and young people were informed on their right to advocacy when they enter the care system.
Children’s needing special educational support or for disability formed only half of the cases according to The Children's Society. It also found that that placement, taking part in their reviews and leaving care were the issues that children and young people most frequently expressed their need for support.
The charity conducted a review of services from a practice base, looking at the services provided and how advocacy plays a crucial role in the well-being of children and young people, especially those in care who often have decisions made about their lives without being consulted.
It also looks at the financial implications and how advocacy now could save local authorities money in the long-term.