West Sussex Advocacy Service

What we do:

• If there are changes going on in a child's support, an Advocate can listen and represent the child's views independent of parents and professionals, so the child has a say in what happens.
• An Advocate takes time to get to know how each child (you) communicates and listens to any questions or worries about an issue. The Advocate will meet you where you feel comfortable and you can ask a family member or carer to help you explain at first.
• An Advocate works for the child (you); they only tell other people what you say if it’s OK with you, as long as you are safe. They ask you what you want them to do to help, from preparing for a meeting to making a complaint – it’s up to you.
• If a child does not have capacity to understand and express their own views about a specific issue but their voice is being lost, then the Advocacy Service could provide non-instructed advocacy. This is rights -based and specific to each issue.
• Children and young people who receive services as a child in need due to a disability can ask for support from an Advocate on an issue that is important to them. If you're not sure, please call and ask.