Advocates are not part of the professional network for children and young people. It is not the advocate’s role to promote the “best interest” of a child. The Advocates role is to amplify the issues and concerns raised by children and young people. We do not judge, give our opinions, or influence young people. We are there to help them communicate with the professionals and service providers around them. We are there to help them secure their rights and entitlements.

For example, a young person in care may want us to write to their social worker requesting that they go back home to their family. This may be seen as dangerous for the young person, and not in their “best interest”. However our job will be to do what the young person has asked us to do, communicate their wishes and feeling to the social worker, NO MATTER WHAT THE ISSUE.