56
Children’s right to independent advocacy must be strengthened.
Conclusion
Children’s right to independent advocacy must be strengthened. Although there is a statutory entitlement to advocacy services, many individuals are unaware of this or unable to secure advocacy in an appropriate timeframe. We support the recommendation of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care for the implementation of an opt-out legal right to advocacy to all children in care, to automatically connect children with an advocate as soon as they are eligible for one. (Recommendation, Paragraph 264)
Source
Committee
Human Rights (Joint Committee)
Report
2nd Report - Human Rights of Children in the Social Care System in England
27 Aug 2026
HC 161
Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Justice
Timeline
Report published
27 Aug 2026