Securing an Effective Advocacy Service

Ensuring Children’s Voices Are Heard and Acted Upon

Effective advocacy services are not just about having someone to speak on behalf of children—they’re about building a system where children are listened to, their rights are upheld, and their concerns lead to real change. For local authorities, securing such services is not optional. It is central to promoting well-being, improving service quality, and safeguarding children’s rights.

Why an Effective Advocacy Service Matters

When advocacy is delivered well, it leads to:

• Early detection of issues before they escalate

• Quick resolution of problems, reducing emotional distress

• Better engagement between children and professionals

• Greater confidence among children that their voices matter

• A more transparent and accountable system

A strong advocacy system also supports performance improvement. By actively listening to children’s feedback—especially through complaints and representations—services can be adapted to better meet their needs.

Building a Culture That Encourages Speaking Out

Local authorities must ensure that complaints and advocacy procedures operate within a participatory culture.

This means encouraging all children, including the most vulnerable, to speak up—and making sure adults are truly prepared to listen.

Children must feel safe, respected, and empowered to raise concerns. To make this possible, local authorities must:

• Make advocacy highly visible and accessible

• Remove stigma or fear around making complaints

• Ensure decision-makers respond constructively to children’s concerns

• Use feedback to inform service improvements

Clear and Inclusive Communication

Many children—especially those with communication needs or disabilities—require specific help to understand their rights and the support available to them. This is where clear communication becomes critical.

Local authorities must provide:

• Accessible information about advocacy services in multiple formats (e.g., easy-read, audio, translated materials)

• Age-appropriate guidance on making complaints or representations

• Regular updates about advocacy options and rights

• Targeted communication for children in care, in residential settings, or with limited language skills

Example: Josh, a 10-year-old with a speech impairment, is unhappy about frequent changes in his foster placement. Because advocacy materials are available in symbols and audio, he understands how to ask for help. His social worker supports him in connecting with an advocate who specialises in non-verbal communication.

Right Time, Right Support

Local authorities must act as soon as they know a child wants to make a complaint. Immediate steps should be taken to:

• Provide child-friendly guides on the complaint process

• Explain the child’s right to advocacy

• Help the child access an advocate quickly

• Record that this information was provided in the child’s case file

This must also be checked at every review meeting by the Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to ensure that the child remains informed and supported throughout their care journey.

Keeping Information Fresh and Relevant

Information about advocacy must not be a one-time message—it needs to be regularly reviewed, updated, and shared across everyone involved in a child’s care. This includes:

• Children and young people (especially those in new or challenging situations)

• Social workers and IROs

• Foster carers and residential staff

• New staff or professionals entering the child’s life

Local authorities should run training sessions, create easy access to advocacy leaflets, and ensure information is clearly displayed in schools, care settings, and online platforms.

Summary: What Local Authorities Must Do

To secure an effective advocacy service, local authorities must:

1. Promote a culture of participation that values feedback and encourages children to speak out.

2. Ensure information is clear, accessible, and widely available, especially to those with communication needs.

3. Provide timely support whenever a child wishes to make a complaint.

4. Record and monitor engagement with advocacy services as part of regular reviews.

5. Update communication regularly and make sure all staff, carers, and professionals are equipped to support children.

   
   

Conclusion

Children’s voices matter—not only because they have legal rights, but because their experiences and insights help shape better care systems. An effective advocacy service ensures that when children speak, they are heard—and when they are heard, things change.

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