Getting an advocate

An advocate is an independent person (who doesn’t work for the local authority) who can help you make a complaint, represent you and advise you.  

If you are unhappy with decisions that have been made about you or your care, you can call and speak to an advocate. The advocate will make sure that you are listened to properly and that your views are taken seriously. If you want your advocate to speak for you at a meeting (like your review meeting) you have the right to ask for this.

Your IRO or social worker will sort out an advocate for you, and will explain more about what sorts of situations they can help in and how it will work.