Advocacy

Often children, young people and their families don’t feel they will be listened to about matters affecting them. Sometimes they don’t know what to say when they are asked.

Advocacy offers children, young people and their families the support they need to:

1. Have their say and to help them figure out what it is they want to say in matters affecting them an d decisions being made about them.
2. Represent themselves in meetings with, for example, CAMHS core worker, or social worker, and by making sure their views are expressed and listened to.
3. Learn about and understand their rights.

Advocacy is offered by a service which is independent of any other service a child, young person and their families might have involvement with. This is so children and young people can be sure that there is no conflict of interests.

Partners in Advocacy in Dundee have a specific remit relating to Advocacy and Mental Health for children and young people 21 and under.

Angus Independent Advocacy Project support children and young people involved in the children’s hearings system and/or social work and those who have additional support needs and are facing barriers to education.

Independent Advocacy service in Perth and Kinross support children aged 0-25 years old.

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The Clan Law Society for Child Rights and offer legal support.

Scottish Child Law Centre offer free and confidential expert legal advice on children’s rights and child law across Scotland.

The Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland provide support for young people around their rights and the law.

Who Cares Scotland for Care Experienced Children/Young people. Who Cares also work with young people cared for by other members of their family.

Click on links to access websites