Revisions to the National Standards and Statutory Guidance for the Provision of Children's and Young People's Advocacy Services

We are seeking to revise the National Standards for the Provision of Children’s Advocacy Services (2002) and the statutory guidance on Providing Effective Advocacy Services for Children and Young People Making a Complaint under the Children Act 1989 (2004). The National Standards for the Provision of Children’s Advocacy Services sets out expectations for the system to provide effective advocacy services that aims to recognise and promote the views, wishes and feelings of all children and young people who have an independent right to an advocate. The statutory guidance sets out how advocacy services should be provided by local authorities to effectively support looked-after children, children in need and care leavers. The revised documents include strengthened content on the effective delivery of advocacy services, stronger focus on the needs of children and young people, as well as creation of new standards.