1.4.3 Advocacy and Children's Rights Service |
Contents
1. Appointment of Advocate
An appointment of an advocate for a child may be appropriate where a child wishes to be represented at a meeting (for example at a Looked After Review) or assisted in making a complaint or bringing a matter to the attention of the care provider, the local authority or the Regulatory Authority.
Information must be provided to all Looked After Children about how they can gain access to a suitably skilled advocate.
In relation to children who make a complaint under the Complaints Procedure (see Representations and Complaints Procedure) for who may make a complaint. The Designated Complaints Manager, on receipt of the complaint, will immediately check whether the child already has an advocate and if not, seek their views as to whether they wish to consider such an appointment.
The outcome must be recorded on the complaint file. A referral to an appropriate advocacy service will be made where appropriate.
In all cases, the Designated Complaints Manager will keep under review the need for an advocate to be appointed throughout the period of the complaint investigation.
The Designated Complaints Manager will provide the advocate with copies of the Stage One response letters, investigation reports and adjudication letters - see Representations and Complaints Procedure.
2. Barnet and Enfield Children’s Rights Service
The Barnet and Enfield Children’s Rights Service is an independent service for Children in Need from Barnet and Enfield.
It focuses on Looked After Children, care-leavers, and Disabled Children. Its aim is to promote children and young people’s rights, providing advocacy and participation activities. The Project is managed by Barnardo’s.
The service provides a referral point for all who come within then definition of a Child in Need, but will focus on:
- Looked After Children
- Care-leavers
- Disabled Children
Other children in need will be accepted if capacity exists or if not, referred on to another specialist advocacy service.
The Children’s Rights Service is based at the Arnos Centre, opposite Arnos Grove tube station. The address is:
Barnet and Enfield Children’s Rights Service,
321a Bowes Road,
New Southgate,
London N11 1BA.
The telephone number is 020 8362 0846.
The staffing consists of:
- Manager
- Barnet Children’s Rights Officer
- Enfield Children’s Rights Officer
- Project Worker: Disabled Children’s Rights
- Administrator
The CRS will ensure young people’s views are heard in their own lives, for instance in:
- Looked After Reviews and other meetings
- Disagreements with social workers/carers
- Complaints or other representation
Referrals can be made directly or via the Designated Complaints Manager.
The Children’s Rights Service runs a programme of activities (in partnership with local authorities and other relevant agencies) providing:
- Developmental/social opportunities – events and activities within which young people can take on responsibilities, learn new skills, and share experiences and develop friendships with other young people.
- Information – disseminating information on rights and responsibilities, and legitimate expectations of services.
- Consultation – opportunities for young people to express views, and hear those of others, giving local authorities the opportunity to bring these views into service planning.
End