Our Vision, Purpose and Promises
As we advance through our fifth decade here at NYAS, the case for placing children’s voices at the centre of policy and practice has never been stronger. We know that when children are meaningfully involved, outcomes improve - not just for individuals, but across systems. Yet too many children and young people still face barriers to being heard and getting the fair chances they deserve, particularly those in the most vulnerable of circumstances.
This must change.
NYAS is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between lived experience and decision-making. By working directly with children and young people, we bring insight, evidence, and challenge into policy and practice - ensuring that systems are more responsive, equitable, and effective.
We actively partner with funders, commissioners, and policymakers to drive systemic change. Together, we can translate rights into reality: strengthening advocacy, improving services, and influencing legislation so that it truly reflects the needs of those it is intended to serve.
We are proud of what has been achieved through collective effort - and ever-grateful to all those who support our work. But our ambition is to match and meet the need. Sustained investment, collaboration, and leadership are essential goals for us to reach further. Read our Vision, Purpose and Promises to understand how we're working together to ensure that every child and young person has a voice - and that it leads to meaningful change in their lives.
Our Vision
Our vision is simple. No child or young person should ever be alone or voiceless in the care system, in the family court or anywhere decisions are made about their future.
Our Purpose
To prevent and end social injustices faced by children (particularly care-experienced children), young people and vulnerable adults. At NYAS we respect, promote and protect these rights through the provision of advocacy, early interventions, independent legal representation and by influencing systemic change.
Our Promises
Our Promises, which we remember as CARE, remind those across NYAS of the different ways it's important for us to care about one another, and those we support.
- Collaborative: We promise we will communicate and collaborate with you and support each other in sharing knowledge, ideas and best practice. We will listen to everyone's voice and value one another's opinions.
- Accountable: We promise to be open, transparent and accountable, taking responsibility for what we do.
- Respectful: We promise we will value and respect you in everything that we do. We promise to
embrace diversity and nurture trust. - Empowering: We promise we will listen to you when you feel you are not being heard. We promise to
inform you of your rights and help to empower you to make changes to your life for the better.