Children's Voice Study

The first national study in England of advocacy services for looked after children and children in need was published on 13 November 2006. The study, from the Institute of Education's Thomas Coram Research Unit, finds that work is needed to improve children's access to these services, which help young people to have a voice, either by speaking up on their behalf, or by supporting them to speak up for themselves. Findings indicate that advocacy can produce many practical and positive benefits for children in public care and children in need, such as overturning or improving care plans. For the full news story see December [2006] Fam Law.