This policy supports you to demonstrate that you support the rights of children under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to have their views taken seriously in relation to the care provided to them. The UNCRC is a legally-binding international agreement setting out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every child, regardless of their race, religion or abilities.

The role of the advocate is to support a child to express their own needs and views and to make informed decisions on matters that influence their lives. Advocates do not make choices for children – instead, they support children and young people to make their own choices, where possible.