This one-day course is a powerful grounding in understanding the complex information required to have a young person assessed as a ‘child in need’, supported by the local authority and / or accommodated under The Children Act 1989. It is particularly useful for advocating for aged 16 or over where there is the potential for exclusion, homelessness or risk-taking behaviour.

It can seem almost impossible to successfully get local authorities to accept responsibility for this age group but this course will equip you with the knowledge and practical strategies to achieve just that.

You will become confident in asserting the rights of the young person even in the face of the loudest ‘NO’ and will feel empowered to have your definition of ‘child in need’ be the one which is accepted. You will also gain relevant examples of the latest case law in this area to support your work.

“I really enjoyed it and found the first part exciting in terms of being given a tool to strengthen our cases.”

Who the course is for

The programme will be essential to anyone working with children or young people who require services from the local authority, including those aged 16 or over.

“The trainers are extremely knowledgeable and I will recommend the course to colleagues”

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Summarise sections 17 and 20 of The Children Act 1989 in relation to the rights of vulnerable young people.
• Describe a ‘child in need’
• Apply a pro forma method for successfully getting young people into care
• Explain the assessment framework used by Children’s Services assessing ‘children in need’
• Employ strategies for winning individual cases
• Utilise the relevant case law to support your work

Course information

This is a 1 day course including free practice tools in the course materials.

Also recommended

Advocacy with Care Leavers, Being a Voice – comprehensive Advocacy training.

Click below to download the course leaflet.