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Parent to Parent Peer Advocacy

Becoming a parent advocate

What does a parent advocate do?

Parent advocates support parents/carer(s) at the Child Protection Conference (CPC) and other meetings and help parents to:

  • express their views and concerns
  • access information and services
  • understand their rights and responsibilities
  • explore choices and options

Parent advocates ensure that the parents they're supporting:

  • understand all discussions and the information in any reports prepared for the CPC/meeting
  • are aware of their rights and options
  • are able to have their views heard at the CPC/meeting

Parent advocacy is a voluntary role.

Who can become a parent advocate

Anyone with previous experience of children’s services could become a parent advocate.

Full training is provided to parent advocates, but there are some skills that parent advocates will need:

  • good communication skills (written and oral)
  • good listening skills
  • ability to build positive relationships and provide emotional support
  • working with professionals to help another parent
  • flexibility to attend meetings with parents

Training and support provided

Parent advocates must complete all parts of our advocacy training in order to begin working with parents. Training takes place over eight weeks.

Training includes:

  • advocacy skills and understanding the role of the parent advocate
  • child protection legal framework and parents’ rights
  • Child Protection Conferences in Southwark
  • understanding professionals’ concerns
  • safeguarding
  • data protection and safe data handling

The advocacy module of our training is accredited by the Open College Network at Level 2 which can be used towards further courses.

We provide one to one supervision to support parent advocates in their role. We also hold regular group supervision for all parent advocates to attend whilst training and once working with parents, in order to support one another in their role. Attendance at these meetings is required.

How to become a parent advocate

If you're interested in becoming a parent advocate or have any questions, contact Jacqui Cox, the family inclusion coordinator on 07714 073 719 or email us.

Page last updated: 24 February 2022

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