Thread by @duncdunlop

#Advocacy thread.
A key recommendation in the @reviewCSC is for there to be independent, opt-out advocacy.
Implementation of this would be globally ground-breaking and a vg safeguard for children's rights.
#CareReview 🧵

It is confusing, difficult and sometimes traumatic entering care. An #independentadvocate is there to be on the child's side. It is someone to represent their needs and wishes so that they are central in making and reviewing care plans.

Running @whocaresscot I saw firsthand how advocacy was a life-line for people in the most vulnerable situations. It gave them hope and built trust when they saw they were heard.
Having a voice over decisions that affect you is a cornerstone of children's rights.

Advocacy has to be relationship based. Where a child can have time to trust the person and understand the role.

Opt-out: it is crucial an advocate introduces & explains what advocacy is to a child. There is 90%+ uptake for advocacy when this happens. Take-up is much lower when other professionals introduce it.

Advocacy is vital for children who might enter care, who are at risk of moving in care, or who are not happy in care.

Advocacy is not always necessary for settled children, but should regularly be offered to them.

Non-instructed advocacy is possible for those who cannot communicate or who are too young. It is done from a Children's Rights Perspective.

Collective advocacy and connecting care exp people helps:
1) highlight systemic issues locally & nationally from the data of multiple cases
2) give care exp people of all ages the chance to connect with others; have fun whilst understanding their care identity & rights.

We don't have properly independent advocacy in the UK. All advocacy is currently commissioned on 1-5 yr basis & ££ for by Local Authorities who provide care. Unfortunately at times this does influence how vocal an advocacy service feels it can be

A lot of advocacy is also delivered by organisations that deliver care services. Sometimes it is a conflict for them to advocate for/against a type of service they provide. It also weakens the influence of collective advocacy to highlight in/effective practices

Traditionally we have not respected the power & importance of including a child in planning their care experience. Despite best efforts its why current advocacy provision is at best patchy & weak.
#BestInterests dominate, and too often professionals over-ride a child's voice

The implementation of this advocacy recommendation will demonstrate how far we are prepared to protect #childrensrights for #CEP