by promocymru_admin | 6th Jun 2012

In March, the Children’s Commissioner published his report, Missing Voices, which outlined the findings of his first statutory review. The review examined independent professional advocacy for looked after children and young people, care leavers and children in need.

The report acknowledges that while many children and young people do receive an excellent service from independent professional advocates, others are missing out. The report highlights the fact that the majority of young people are unaware of what advocacy means unless it directly affects them. It also highlights the fact that young people are often unaware that advocacy provisions are available to them through their local authority if they meet the right criteria.

The review highlights the shortcomings of the current provision and makes a number of recommendations aimed at improving the situation.

As well as highlighting room for improvement the review also highlights the success of the MEIC Helpline in providing a 24 hour, free telephone, text and webchat advocacy service. The review claims, “The establishment and development of MEIC has undoubtedly been a significant and pioneering achievement for the Advocacy Unit.”