Access Compass guide
Children's advocacy in Northamptonshire: when and how to ask
How Northamptonshire's Children's Rights advocacy route can help a child or young person involved with children's social care, and how to request support.
Published by Access Compass · How we research and check guides
Who it's for: Parents & carers, Children & young people
✓ Verified Last checked 16 Jul 2026. Always confirm details with the service before relying on them.
Step by step
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Check whether the local advocacy route fits
Northamptonshire Children's Trust says a young person can request an advocate if they have a Northamptonshire social worker or are a care leaver. This includes children and young people on child-protection or child-in-need plans and those who are or have been in care. Advocacy is particularly useful when their views are not being heard in a decision, meeting or complaint.
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Make a direct request
A young person can complete the Children's Rights self-request form. A parent, trusted adult or professional can use the separate referral form for a child they know. If a digital form is inaccessible, call Northamptonshire Children's Trust on 0300 126 7000 or email childrenstrust@nctrust.co.uk and ask for Children's Rights.
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Be clear about the issue to resolve
The Children's Rights referral form describes advocacy as short-term support to resolve an issue through a complaint or by representing the child in a meeting or situation. An advocate can help the child explain their views, understand their rights, make a complaint, speak to professionals and take part in meetings, reviews or assessments.
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Use national signposting if you are unsure
NYAS's advocacy-provider finder identifies Northamptonshire Children's Trust as the local provider. The NYAS national helpline can still explain rights and signpost on 0808 808 1001, but contacting NYAS does not mean NYAS will provide the local advocate in Northamptonshire.