We are a provider of independent advocacy for children, young people and vulnerable adults. The service is freely available to: 

• All Looked After Children and young people (including trafficked children and unaccompanied asylum seekers)

• Children and young people in foster care or residential homes

• Children and young people at home subject to Care Orders

• Children and young people in out-of-county placements

• Children and young people in short break care

• Care Leavers eligible under the Leaving Care Act

• Care leavers and other children using children’s services who are making or intending to make a formal complaint

• All Children in Need

•  Children subject to an initial and/or review child protection conference (ICPC/RCPC)

• All young people resident in Aycliffe Secure Centre (including young people from other Local Authorities)

• Children who request support with, or to appeal their Education, Health and Care Plan at Tribunal (a separate dedicated service is commissioned to support this requirement but there may occasions where it is appropriate for young people to access advocacy under this service specification).

• Young people who are detained under a section of the Mental Health Act, or subject to a Community Treatment Order, and request an Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA).

 • 16 and 17 year olds who may be homeless and/or require accommodation

NYAS advocates work only for the child or young person, helping them to resolve their issue and ensuring that their voice - their views, wishes and feelings - is heard and helps to inform the decisions that professionals are making about them.

We provide independent, confidential and free advocacy support services and representation to children and young people throughout County Durham from 0-25 years old. This includes any child or young person with special educational needs or disabilities who are undergoing a review of their EHCP. It also includes any Durham child in the care of Aycliffe Secure Centre or receiving a service from West Lane Hospital in Middlesbrough or any other private residential provision or school in the country.

For more information or to make a referral please call freephone: 0808 808 1001 during 9.00am - 8.00pm weekdays or 10.00am - 4.00pm Saturday, or email: help@nyas.net

More information is also available on the NYAS website: www.nyas.net 

or

the young person's NYAS website: https://youngpeople.nyas.net/