30/09/2026
We aim to give every young person a voice.
Advocacy is used to help young people express their wishes and feelings. In some cases, however, it is not possible to gain the instruction directly from the young person. In this circumstance, and in order to make advocacy accessible to all young people, we can use what is known as 'Non-Instructed Advocacy' (NIA), which offers advocacy to people who have no clear system of communication.
When it was proposed that Grace stay at her parents' home every weekend whilst attending residential school throughout the week, it was important to assess how this proposal may impact Grace.
Utilising The Watching Brief advocacy model, an advocate observed Grace across different environments, including at school, residential provisions, after-school activities, and at home. The Advocate focused on key areas which were vital for Grace:
- Choice and influence
- Emotional wellbeing
- Relationships and connections
- Continuity and identity
Through this observation, the advocate gathered vital evidence regarding what appeared important to Grace through her behaviours, routines, preferences and interactions.
The resulting advocacy report did not speak on Grace's behalf, but instead asked questions of decision-makers, to ensure any future plans consider Grace's preferences and quality of life.
Non-Instructed Advocacy helps ensure that every child and young person has their views represented, even when they cannot communicate via conventional means.
Read more about the team, visit:
https://www.tgpcymru.org.uk/what-we-do/north-wales-advocacy-service/
