AL AUTHORITY AREA 2.12 Local authorities when placing children out of the local authority area should ensure that arrangements are in place for the child or young person to access advocacy services when making the placement. There are different ways local authorities can achieve this. For example, the local authority may make arrangements with their contracted advocacy provider to support children placed out of area. Alternatively, local authorities may wish to come to an arrangement with the local authority where the child or young person is placed. CHOICE FOR THE CHILD OR YOUNG PERSON 2.13 There will be times when children and young people will wish to choose their own advocate, for example, a relative, teacher, carer, friend or family member. Children and young people may select anyone of their choice as an advocate although there may be reasons why the person chosen by the child should not agree to take on the role, for example, there might be a conflict of interest. Children and young people should be helped by the complaints officer, children’s rights officer or equivalent officer to understand the choices open to them and the differences between the options. For example, the child should be helped to understand the differences in the kind of support available and be helped to make an informed choice between “informal” advocacy provided by a relative or friend and a professional advocate provided under the arrangements made by the local authority. 2.14 The child or young person should be given an opportunity to meet an advocate and agree the arrangement before the advocate’s appointment is confirmed and any information shared with them. The child should understand that they have the right to choose an advocate whom they feel comfortable with and the local authorit