Advocating on Behalf of Children and Young People (Level 3)

Written by NYAS and accredited by the Open College Network, this course is for people who are interested in the role of the Independent Advocate. The aim of the course is to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to advocate effectively for children and young people in the care system.

The course is recommended for those who currently work in, or are working towards, the professional role of an independent advocate.

Independent Advocacy Explained

According to government guidelines and legislation, children and young people in care settings have a statutory right to access the support of an independent advocate. The role of the independent advocate is to help children and young people to navigate the care system, understand their rights and entitlements and, if necessary, support them to have a voice and challenge actions and decisions made about their lives.

Independent advocacy is issue-based and child-led, focused on ensuring that the wishes and feelings of children and young people are taken into account in the decision-making process.

Course Content

Upon completion of this training, learners will:

• Understand the key principles of independent advocacy – including independence, confidentiality, the rebalance of power, and the importance of being child-led
• Know how the independent advocacy model is different to other forms of advocacy
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of the independent advocate in varied settings
• Understand the different stages of the advocacy process
• Recognise the challenges and dilemmas surrounding the provision of advocacy services
• Be familiar with the legislative framework relevant to advocacy and children’s rights
• Be able to maintain safe working practices throughout the advocacy relationship
• Understand the critical role of confidentiality within the advocacy relationship

The course leads to a level 3 qualification, roughly equivalent to one-sixth of an A Level (NVQ3). Therefore, learners will be expected to demonstrate an appropriate depth of knowledge and understanding. For more information about qualification levels and credits, please visit the OCN website.

For more information about the course and how it is delivered, download our course guide.

Upcoming Dates

For more information about the booking and payment process, please visit our NYAS Training FAQ page. Additional guidance is available for NYAS staff and contractors here.

If you are interested in bespoke training for your organisation, please contact the NYAS Learning and Development team at training@nyas.net

What Our Learners Say

“I found the actual training very informative and done in such a way I was able to quickly pick up the concepts. In part I think this is because of the dreaded role playing (but it works), and being given the freedom by the trainer to explore, and outline our thoughts and be allowed to be wrong and learn, in a safe environment. The trainer was excellent, and I felt very confident to ask her anything I did not quite understand.

The assessor really helped with the webinar, in a supportive and clear way. Again, the clarity and expertise were really good and spurred me on to the submission date. The feedback following submission on the draft workbook was excellent and allowed me to identify and break down the scenarios in a more thoughtful and detailed way. It was time well spent and I learned so much, so thank you both.”

Anne Gray, Family Meeting Coordinator, Central Bedfordshire Local Authority

“I began working for NYAS as a self-employed advocate after a lengthy break from work to raise a family. It all felt a bit overwhelming, with a lot of new information to take on board, together with the uncertainty whether I would make a good advocate.

After attending the training award Advocating on Behalf of Children and Young People, I feel very confident I have made the correct decision to pursue my new role.

This award, the webinars and workbook together with the support from the tutor have helped me develop the required knowledge for the role as an advocate. I now feel confident to start practising, and am really looking forward to working in my new role.”

Tamsin Beedle, Self-Employed Advocate, NYAS