Advocacy is about ensuring that children and young people have their voices heard, their views respected, and their rights upheld, particularly when they may feel vulnerable, excluded, or unable to speak for themselves. In a safeguarding context, advocacy helps ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of the child, with their experiences, wishes, and feelings at the centre.

In Scotland, advocacy is closely aligned with the principles of Getting it Right for Every Child and the rights outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly the right of children to express their views in matters affecting them.

What Advocacy Looks Like in Practice

Education staff play an important role in promoting and enabling advocacy by:

• Listening carefully and taking children’s views seriously
• Creating safe, trusting environments where young people feel able to speak
• Supporting children to understand their rights and options
• Helping them communicate their views to others (e.g. social work, meetings, hearings)
• Recognising when an independent advocate may be needed

Some children, particularly those who are care experienced, involved in child protection processes, or facing complex circumstances., may require independent advocacy services to ensure their voice is not overshadowed by adults or systems.

Identifying When Advocacy Is Needed

A child may benefit from advocacy where:

• They struggle to express their views or feel unheard
• There are significant decisions being made about their care or wellbeing
• There is conflict between what adults think is best and what the child wants
• They are involved in formal processes (e.g. child protection meetings, hearings)

Responding and Taking Action

If you believe a child would benefit from advocacy:

• Discuss this with your Child Protection Coordinator or Named Person
• Follow local authority procedures for referral to advocacy service – Advocacy Service (requires GLOW Login)
• Continue to support the child’s participation and understanding throughout

Advocacy is not about speaking for a child, it is about ensuring they are supported to speak for themselves. By promoting advocacy, education staff help uphold children’s rights, strengthen safeguarding practice, and ensure that every child’s voice matters.