Advocacy for disabled children

Advocacy is about speaking up for children and young people and helping them take part in decisions that affect their lives. It involves making sure their rights are respected, and their views and wishes are heard and acted upon by decision-makers. We believe that all disabled children should have the opportunity to use an advocacy service; for disabled children placed away from home there is an even greater need for advocacy.

Someone on our side - new research on advocacy for disabled children

We have published new research on advocacy for disabled children called Someone on our side. Read the full report now or take a look at the report summary. 

The research is the outcome of a three year study exploring advocacy services for disabled children and young people in England. This study found that many report the benefits of having an advocate for disabled young people and their families but that there are still considerable barriers preventing access to advocacy services.

A guide for commissioners

We also have a guide for commissioners on the importance of advocacy services for all children.

The guide sets out the legal framework for the provision of advocacy to children and young people and the benefits of a good advocacy service. We are urging local authorities to ensure that access to advocacy is available for disabled children whether they live at home or in residential care. 

Other information on our advocacy work

We are working to ensure that all disabled children – including those who communicate without speech – have someone to listen to their needs, understand them, speak up on their behalf and ensure they are heard.

• Our Askability website, the first symbol-supported website of its kind, gives disabled children and young people access to the latest national news stories, soap news, fun facts and much more.
• Our Disability Toolkit has over 100 resources to support practitioners working with disabled young people.
• We have many projects working with disabled children and young people, most of which have specialist advocates working with disabled children and young people looked after by local authorities.
• We campaign for Government and society to recognise that all disabled children have a right to be heard and do not suffer injustice in silence. Read our policy briefing documents for further information: Policy briefing number 1 - December 2006; Policy briefing number 2 - Autumn 2007.