Independent Parent Advocacy
Support through Children's Services and family proceedings
Being involved with Children's Services can be difficult to understand and overwhelming, particularly where there are child protection concerns or court proceedings.
Uphold Advocacy provides independent advocacy to help parents understand the process, express their views and participate meaningfully in decisions affecting them and their family.
How we can help
Our advocates can support parents to:
- understand Children's Services processes and what is being asked of them;
- prepare for Child in Need, Child Protection and other important meetings;
- understand reports, assessments and plans;
- identify the issues they want to raise and communicate their views;
- participate effectively in meetings with professionals;
- understand decisions and what happens next;
- communicate with professionals where this is difficult; and
- attend meetings with an advocate alongside them.
Our role is to help parents understand what is happening, prepare for important discussions and ensure their voice is heard throughout the process.
Independent from Children's Services
Our advocates are independent.
We are not part of Children's Services and we do not make decisions about children or families.
Our role is to support the parent, help them understand the process, communicate their wishes and views, and participate meaningfully in decisions affecting them and their family.
Support during family court proceedings
Where family court proceedings are underway, advocacy can complement the work of the parent's solicitor.
An advocate does not replace a solicitor or provide legal advice. Instead, we can help the parent understand information, organise their thoughts, communicate with professionals and participate as fully as possible in the wider process.
Lay Advocacy
In some circumstances, parents may require additional support to participate effectively in family court proceedings.
Uphold Advocacy can provide
Lay Advocacy where appropriate, subject to the circumstances of the individual case and any requirements or directions of the court.
This is distinct from legal representation. A Lay Advocate does not replace the parent's solicitor or provide legal advice.
Making a Referral
Referrals to our Parent Advocacy service can be made by professionals and organisations working with parents and families, including:
- Local Authorities
- Social Workers
- Independent Social Workers
- Solicitors and legal professionals
- Other relevant professionals and organisations
For Local Authorities and Commissioners
Uphold Advocacy can work with local authorities to develop
responsive and independent Parent Advocacy provision tailored to local need.
This may include individual spot-purchase referrals or wider commissioned provision.
We can provide advocacy by
telephone, remotely and face-to-face, depending upon the needs of the parent and the circumstances of the case.
We are also happy to discuss service design, referral pathways and how independent advocacy can be incorporated effectively within existing Children's Services processes.
Why independent advocacy matters
Parents involved with Children's Services can be required to understand complex information, attend meetings involving numerous professionals and make sense of assessments, plans and decisions that may have significant consequences for their family.
Independent advocacy can help ensure that the parent is not simply present in the process, but is able to
understand, participate and have their voice heard.