Independent Children’s Rights and Advocacy Services

Description

Advocacy is about representing the views, wishes and needs of children and young people to decision-makers, and helping them to navigate the system. Advocacy services should provide independent and confidential information, advice, representation, support and advocacy for eligible Children and Young people. The purpose of advocacy services in youth custody is to support and promote the voice of Children and Young People, assisting them in resolving issues relating to their welfare, care and treatment. The independence of advocacy providers from those operating youth custody establishments is a key safeguard for children. Providing advocacy services also supports statutory responsibilities and duties placed upon the Authority, including to safeguard Children and Young People in custody, to promote and advance equality and diversity opportunities and protect children's and human rights. Lot 1: Provide Children & Young People's Advocacy Services in Youth Custody: for all Children and Young People held in Secure Training Centres (STCs) and Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) aged 12-19 Children and Young People held in Secure Childrens Homes including the following secure establishments: - Oakhill STC, located in Milton Keynes, - Cookham Wood YOI, located in Kent, - Feltham YOI, located in Middlesex, - HMPYOI Parc Young Persons' Unit, located in Bridgend (South Wales), - Werrington YOI, located in Stoke-on-Trent, - Wetherby YOI, located in West Yorkshire.