o In order to understand the young person’s form of communication the advocate will spend time with the young person in all their settings, home, respite and education. The practice of non directive, person centred ‘listening’ ensures that the advocate starts where the young person is at and proceeds from there.

o Central to the Advocacy relationship is that the young person knows they are in control and is demonstrated and modelled in every aspect of the partnership. If the young person does not wish to see their advocate at that point in time, the advocate will follow the direction of the young person and try again at a later date.

o Consulting with key people in the young person’s life to get advice on best approach can help ensure a satisfying advocacy experience for the young person.

o In order to gather as much information as possible on the young person’s behalf the advocate will also spend time observing the young person in all settings, talk to key people in their lives. The advocate may attend meetings with other professionals on behalf of the young person.

o The main aim of advocacy is to ensure that the young person’s wishes and feelings are taken into account when making plans for them. The advocate may focus on this aspect on behalf of the young person ensuring that key relationships and activities are promoted as integral to the young person’s life.

o The advocate also has a duty to ensure that the young persons Rights and Entitlements are upheld.