Advocacy Awareness Week

YLF provide our children’s rights and advocacy service for all young people entitled to receive support from Kent and Medway Specialist Children’s Services.

Our advocates offer independent support to children and young people who are struggling to express how they feel or who feel unhappy about decisions made by professionals or family that has an impact on their lives. We believe the voices of young people are paramount and should always be sought, respected and given consideration in any decision making.

• Advocates help children & young people speak up for themselves.
• Advocates help children & young people understand their rights and entitlements and help people realise their rights.
• Advocates help children & young people understand and navigate the care system.
• Advocates help children & young people explore their options and make their own decisions.
• Advocates ensure that children & young people are listened to and included.
• Advocates don’t share information without the child or young person saying so.
• Advocates adjust the ways they work with each child and young person so that the advocacy works for them and is led by them.
• Advocates ensure that other professionals understand what the child or young person needs in order take part in decisions and meetings.
• Advocates are independent of other services.
• Advocates help keep children and young people safe.

Advocates do these things and so many more!

If you have questions or want to understand more, do ask, during this week and beyond. You can email: advocacy@ylf.org.uk