What does the Advocacy Service do?

The advocacy service provides support, advice and assistance to Looked After Children and Care Leavers.

We can listen to you and help with any concerns you may have about the service you have received from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. We also want to hear about things that are being done well, so we can make sure they continue to happen.

An advocate supports children and young people in getting across their views and making sure they are heard and acted upon.

You can expect the advocate to be:

  • independent - we mean that an advocate works on your behalf, and their job is to represent you. They act as a ‘champion’ for you.
  • confidential - we mean that the details of our discussions will not be shared with anyone, unless you give your permission. The only time they will tell someone without your permission is if you tell them something that makes them think you or someone else is at risk.
  • sensitive - we mean that every case is unique. We ensure that every child or young person is treated as an individual, with respect, according to their individual needs.

When might you want to use an advocate?

  • if you are unhappy with the way you are being cared for
  • if you are angry or upset about something that is happening to you
  • if you feel you haven’t been treated fairly
  • if decisions are being made about you or your care that you haven’t been involved in
  • someone hasn’t done something they said they would
  • no-one is telling you what is happening about your situation
  • if you have a complaint to make

An advocate can:

  • help sort out problems on your behalf
  • discuss your options with you and help you understand what is happening
  • help you prepare for important meetings
  • work with you to help you put your views across yourself
  • help you to raise your concerns with the right people
  • help you with letter writing and form filling if you need us to
  • give you information on the complaints procedure and help you if you. decide to make a complaint
  • be honest and open with you and always tell you what we are doing and who we are talking to on your behalf

What an advocate does not do

An advocate does not necessarily make everything better.

There may be some situations that you cannot change, but the advocate will make sure that the people responsible for your care know how you feel. They will also help you to understand why the decision has been made.

Children’s Rights

If you have questions about your rights that have not been answered, you can also contact the advocate, who will help you understand what they are.

Who to contact?

Looked After Children Advocacy
Phone: 020 8754 5858