Moved by
The Earl of Listowel
27: After Clause 6, insert the following new Clause—
“Local authority investigation: advocacy
In section 47 of the 1989 Act (local authority duty to investigate) after subsection (5A) insert—
“(5AA) In meeting its duty under subsection (5A), a local authority shall give consideration to making arrangements for the provision of independent advocacy for the child in relation to any decision making meeting in the course of section 47 enquiries unless the child states that he or she does not wish to receive the services of an independent advocate.
(5AB) For the purposes of this subsection—
(a) “advocacy” means the provision of independent and confidential information, advice, representation and support to a child;
(b) “independent” means where the person appointed is not connected with the local authority by virtue of being—
(i) a member of the local authority or any of their committees or sub-committees, whether elected or co-opted;
(ii) an officer of the local authority employed by the Children’s Services Department of that authority; or
(iii) a spouse or civil partner of any such person.””