• 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 to decision makers and helping them to navigate the system

Children in Care have a statutory entitlement to access to advocacy.  YAP does not work as part of the multi-agency team and retains its independence in order to represent young people effectively.

Advocates can support children and young people:

• to participate in their meetings
• to ensuring that professional give due weight to young persons views, wishes and feelings in decision making
• to request a change in provision of care or service
• obtain legal advice
• make a complaint

YAP has three fully trained and experienced advocates.  We also have an advocate who specialises in working with children with learning disabilities/communication impairments.  Children and young people come to us for help with contact, school, placement, professionals, finance, leaving care, housing, etc.  We take our instructions from children and work at their pace and on their issues.

Anyone can refer to our service, and children can self refer.  Visit our website on www.bhyap.org.uk or email us at help@bhyap.org.uk or call 01273 295510 to speak to an Advocate.