52
Accepted
Introduce opt-out independent advocacy for all children in care, including disabled children.
Conclusion
The Department for Education must take forward the recommendation of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care to introduce an opt-out model of independent advocacy for all children in care. It must also act 90 on the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel’s recommendation for all children with disabilities and complex health needs in residential settings to have access to independent advocacy. (Recommendation, Paragraph 127)
Government Response Summary
The government will introduce new National Standards for Advocacy for Children and Young People and revised statutory guidance in 2025, including new standards on non-instructed advocacy and safeguarding.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We will introduce new National Standards for Advocacy for Children and Young People and revised statutory guidance on Providing Effective Advocacy for Children and Young People Making a Complaint under the Children Act 1989 in 2025. This will include new standards on non-instructed advocacy and safeguarding as recommended by the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel.
Source
Committee
Education Committee
Inquiry
Children’s social care
Report
4th Report - Children’s social care
10 Jul 2025
HC 430
Addressee Bodies
Department for Education
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.9 yr
Report published
10 Jul 2025