Reconstruct provides a wide range of independent advocacy services for children, young people and care leavers, delivered in line with the National Standards for the Provision of Children’s Advocacy Services, which define advocacy as:
​
“Advocacy is about speaking up for children and young people. Advocacy is about empowering children and young people to make sure that their rights are respected and their views and wishes are heard at all times. Advocacy is about representing the views, wishes and needs of children and young people to decision-makers, and helping them to navigate the system.”
​
Our advocacy services support children in care, young people on the edge of care, and care leavers, ensuring they have someone independent to help them understand their rights and make their voices heard.
​
​
Children’s Rights and Advocacy
Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states:
“Every child has the right to say what they think in all matters affecting them and to have their views taken seriously.”
​
Independent advocacy plays a crucial role in ensuring that children, young people and care leavers are supported to express their views, wishes and feelings, and that these are considered by professionals and decision-makers.
​
​
Independent Advocacy for Children, Young People and Care Leavers
Reconstruct provides independent advocacy for children in care, care leavers, and young people on the edge of care. Our advocates ensure that individuals are supported to have their views, wishes and feelings represented during meetings, statutory reviews, and care planning processes.
​
We also support:
-
Children in foster care
-
Children in residential care
-
Care leavers navigating adult services
How a Reconstruct Advocate Can Help
A Reconstruct Advocate can support individuals by:
-
Helping children and young people to speak up for themselves and participate fully in decisions affecting their lives
-
Explaining rights, entitlements and available choices in a clear and accessible way
-
Preparing for and taking part in meetings, care reviews, and planning sessions
-
Sign posting to other relevant services and additional support
-
Providing information in accessible formats
-
Supporting individuals to make formal complaints or raise concerns
The Role of a Reconstruct Advocate
We support children, young people and adults who are on the edge of care or in care, ensuring they have someone independent on their side.
Our advocates work to make sure that the views, wishes and feelings of people in vulnerable situations are represented, heard and respected.
​
A Reconstruct Advocate can help by:
-
Supporting individuals to speak up for themselves and be fully involved in decisions affecting their lives
-
Explaining rights, entitlements and the choices available in a clear and accessible way
-
Helping individuals prepare for and take part in meetings, and reviews
-
Supporting access to other relevant services and signposting to additional support
-
Making information easier to understand by using accessible formats
-
Supporting individuals to make formal complaints and raise concerns or queries
-
Our advocates ensure that children, young people and care leavers feel heard, supported and empowered throughout the advocacy process.
​
Working With Us
If you would like to find out more about how we can work with you, including commissioning spot-purchase advocacy services, please get in touch. Our team can advise on the best way to support the children, young people or care leavers you work with.
​
Our Advocacy Services Include
-
Independent advocacy for children in care
-
Independent advocacy for care leavers
-
Advocacy for young people on the edge of care
-
Support with complaints and representations
-
Advocacy for statutory reviews and care meetings
-
​Accessible information and support for decision-making