Voice and Participation Service

Independent Advocacy

Independent Advocacy explained

Independent Advocacy ensures children and young people are heard in important decisions about their lives. Advocates are completely independent from other services and do not represent social workers, carers, or any other professionals. Unlike other professionals who work in a child's "best interests," advocates speak for the person they support, making sure their views, wishes, and feelings are shared exactly as they want. The advocate helps the person share their opinions and makes sure those opinions are taken seriously in all meetings and decisions.

Parental Advocacy

In response to the research findings, the Voice and Participation Service has formalised its parental advocacy support within the broader Independent Advocacy Initiative. Under this initiative, parents with identified learning difficulties, as documented during assessment, are eligible for dedicated advocacy support. This support will help them to better understand their plans, be informed of their rights, and more effectively communicate their views.

Who is eligible

All children who are CLA, experiencing CP or have SEND are provided with the offer for independent advocacy which they can choose to opt out from.

Full list of people eligible to apply for advocacy include:

child involved in CP
parent with SEN involved in CP - note this is limited to support for ICPC and RCPC only
children in care
residential special schools
unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC)
children with SEND (Representation of Views, Independence, Support with Rights, Participation)
children living with special guardians
children in need
care leavers
children subject to the Mental Capacity Act (aged 16 to 18)
children detained under the Mental Health Act
homeless young people (16 to 17 years)
young carers and young adult carers (up to 24)

Referral times

The average time from referral to ICPC is 10 days, and to CLA review is 42 days. These timelines allow advocates sufficient time to build rapport with children. Gather their wishes and adequately prepare for meetings. This enhances the child-centred approach in every case.

How to refer

If you know of a child or young person who would benefit, either from having an advocate at their next meeting or to advocate for them in a complaint. Please ask their allocated worker to make an internal referral using Liquid Logic. Or if they do not have an allocated worker with Wiltshire Council Family and Children Services, please contact us at childrensadvocacy@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).