Some children and young people have a statutory entitlement to advocacy.

This means that there should be services in place so that children and young people can access the right advocacy support. 

Children and young people who are entitled to statutory advocacy:

• 16 and 17 year old who are homeless
• 16 and 17 year old who lack mental capacity
• Care leavers
• Children and young people in England who are detained under the Mental Health Act
• Children and young people in receipt of Social Care services who wish to make a complaint
• Children in receipt of health services who wish to make a complaint
• Children who may continue to need care and support in adulthood
• Children with special education needs and disabilities
• Children and young people in care
• Young carers

Children and young people in custody also have a statutory entitlement to advocacy support. The provider of this may vary depending on where the young person is detained, so its best to check with the detention centre or ask the local Youth Justice Service. 

Advocacy for young people subject to a Child Protection Plan, or for young parents aged under 18 who have a child subject to a Child Protection Plan, is also provided in York by Speak Up. This is not a statutory requirement but can have significant benefits to those in receipt of this support.

Please click on the links and contact the services directly to find out more about the support they provide or to make a referral.