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Children and Young People’s Advocacy Service

Published: 15/07/2014

Independent advocacy services for children and young people in Flintshire could be provided by one organisation across the six North Wales counties if a regional joint venture is approved. Members at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 15 July will be asked to support the regional collaboration which should make savings and give a consistent cross border service. The advocacy service is an independent body that listens and acts on the views, rights and feelings of children and young people in care. The overall duty is to support children and young people who make representations or complaints about their care within Flintshire. Legislation dictates that the local authority has a duty to provide independent professional advocacy for looked after children and children in need. Following guidance from Welsh Government and the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, the six North Wales local authorities are seeking to commission independent professional advocacy on a regional basis from March 2015 when Flintshire County Council’s current arrangements with Wrexham and Denbighshire end. Councillor Christine Jones, Cabinet Member for Social Services said: “The advocacy service is an essential priority for children and young people in care. It is important for them to know there is someone who will listen and act on their behalf. “Working in partnership with the six county councils means that we can save money and still offer the best independent service possible so that every child gets the attention they deserve.”