5.1.3 Representation, Advocacy and Children's Rights |
There is a dedicated Children’s Homes manual and it contains a chapter on this subject that is intended for the sole use of staff in Residential Children’s homes - see Bradford Children's Homes Procedures Manual, Advocacy and Independent Visitors Procedure.
Bradford Children’s Social Care Services has commissioned the Seen and Heard Project (Barnardos), an independent provider to provide the following services:
- Children's Participation
This part of the service works more closely with groups of young people getting their collective thoughts and input into issues relating to service improvement and developments that benefit other young people and Children’s Social Care Services. - Advocacy
The advocacy service assists young people in putting their views across to workers/professionals within Children’s Social Care Services. The support young people requests is generally of a complex nature and involves important issues in their lives such as contact with family members and about their placement. A large part of the advocates work is initiated by young people requesting support at reviews. - Hearing the Child
This service is a resource for young people with complex health needs, in particulars those with severe communication difficulties. The post holder is a specialist in this field of work. - Independent Visitors Scheme
Independent Visitors offer young people a chance to build up a relationship built on friendship. This service is offered to young people at their request. Independent Visitors do not carry any legal responsibilities for the young person but can input in reviews or other meeting at the request of the young person.
For more information about policy and procedures See Complaints Procedure.
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