Advocacy services for children and young people in care

If you are a child or young person in care, in receipt of after-care, living away from home or you are in need, you can access the advocacy service to learn about your rights.

What advocates provide

Advocacy is about supporting children and young people to make sure that their rights are respected and their views and wishes are heard at all times.

An advocate can provide support by:

  • helping you to say want you want
  • making sure your voice, wishes and feelings are being heard
  • listening to you
  • helping you make a complaint
  • making sure you understand your rights and that your rights are being respected
  • obtaining the services you are entitled to
  • supporting you in important meetings

For further information about the service, you can view or download the advocacy guidance leaflet from Barnardo's.

Download or view Barnardo's advocacy guidance leaflet (PDF, 1MB)

Talk to an advocate

You can get in touch with an advocate at Barnardo's if you talk to someone about your issue, or if you want to know more about the service.

Freephone: 0808 800 0017
Telephone: 020 8509 3432
E-mail: advocacy2@barnardos.org.uk

Submit a referral

If your problem is not resolved by talking to an advocate, you should submit a referral to the Barnardo’s Children’s Rights Advocacy team.

Download the advocacy referral form (Word, 37.5KB)

Email the referral to Barnardo’s Children’s Rights Advocacy at advocacy2@barnardos.org.uk

Seek further information and advice

You can contact Croydon's Children's Quality Assurance and Safeguarding Service.