29 October 2025
The Minister for Children and Families, Connétable Richard Vibert, has signed an order under
the Children and Young People’s law, which brings Independent Advocacy Regulations into
effect from today, Wednesday 29 October.
Children who have a health or development need, children in care, care leavers and children
who are subject to safeguarding arrangements will all now be eligible to receive the support of
an independent advocate.
Advocacy services, funded by the Government, have been available for some time, but the new
regulations have put these services on a statutory footing. This means that eligible children
have a legal entitlement to professional advocacy that is both free and of a consistently high
quality.
The regulations were developed with input from young people who had previously used
advocacy services and a public consultation was held between December 2023 and February
2024.
Children and Families Minister, Connétable Richard Vibert, said: “These regulations will ensure
that every eligible child and young person has access to independent, professional advocacy
services. This support will empower them to express their views, understand their rights, and
participate meaningfully in decisions that shape their lives.”
The Minister has also published a Code of Practice, developed in conjunction with local
advocacy service providers, which sets out the detail of how the independent advocacy
services will operate.
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