he stage of a complaint. Responses to consultation indicated that the vast majority of concerns and problems that children share with advocates are resolved “informally”. However, the complaints officer (or children’s complaints officer if applicable) should act as a “back- stop” in checking that a young person has been put in touch with an advocate and is happy with the level of support they are receiving. If this is not the case, the children’s complaints officer or equivalent officer should: ● inform the child about their rights to advocacy; ● ask the child if an advocate is wanted; ● provide help and assistance about how to find advocacy services; ● offer the child or young person help and assistance. Guidance on Providing Effective Advocacy Services for Children and Young People 11 Making a Complaint under the Children Act 1989 2.10 The child or young person should be asked if it is important to them if the advocate shares the same race, culture, gender, religion, disability and/or sexual orientation as themselves. The local authority should take such matters into consideration when making arrangements for the provision of advocacy services. Services should ensure that wherever possible they can meet the preferences of children and young people. 2.11 The local authority should provide the child or young person with information about advocacy services. This will usually be the name, telephone number and contact point for the service. If the child so requests, the complaints officer or equivalent officer should make initial contact with the advocacy service on their behalf. CHILDREN OR YOUNG PEOPLE PLACED OUT OF THE LOCAL AUTHORITY AREA 2.12 Local authorities when placing children out of the local authority area should ensure that arrangements are in place for the ch