Children & Young People Advocacy and Independent Visitor Services

The service will comprise of three main elements:

1. Independent Advocacy as required in statute for Staffordshire Looked After Children (5-25yrs), Children involved in Child Protection Proceedings (5-18yrs), and Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (including Learning Disabilities) 5-25yrs: The overall aim of the Service is to fulfil the authority's statutory requirements with respect to the availability of independent advocates to a high standard and improve outcomes for vulnerable groups. The Provider will do this by ensuring the views of children and young people are well represented and where required, they are provided with appropriate advocacy.

2. Independent Visitors Service for Staffordshire Children in our Care: Will improve outcomes for Staffordshire Children in Care by using trained independent volunteers to visit, befriend and advise eligible young people. The independent visitors will provide consistency within the lives of young people who may be experiencing a number of changes. They will be a source of support, information, and guidance, encouraging young people to achieve their full potential and access the full range of opportunities that are available to them.

3. Parenting Advocacy Services: The Provider will provide a Parenting Advocacy Service for adults who are aged over 25 years of age and have assessed Special Education Needs and Disability or have had a cognitive/capacity assessment that has deemed that the individual lacks the capacity to advocate for themselves. This Parenting Advocacy Service is to be provided to parent/parents of a Child who is subject to open Child Protection Planning/Early Intervention and Child in Need planning.

There is an additional requirement to fulfil the following services, but these are of a much more limited volume:

4. Independent Person(s) for Secure Accommodation Reviews: Will advocate on behalf of the child, ensuring their wishes and feelings are given due consideration by the local authority. The Independent Person will also be a member of the secure criteria review panel who decides whether the criteria for a young person remaining in secure accommodation is met.

5. Appropriate Adult for Independent Age Assessments for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children & Young People: Will have the skills to support the child or young person in and to challenge social workers if they feel the interview is not being conducted appropriately. They should advocate on behalf of the child or young person, represent their best interests, and ensure that the child or young person's welfare needs are met during the interview process.