 Children’s Advocacy Services, issued as section 7 guidance in November 2002, set out standards for the commissioning and delivery of advocacy services. The standards provide a framework for the planning, development and review of advocacy practice at all levels. In implementing this guidance, local authorities with social services responsibilities should ensure the standards are followed. 2.3 The purpose of advocacy in complaints procedures is to ensure that children and young people are given assistance when making or intending to make a complaint and that is the focus of this guidance. Of course, the role of advocacy is not limited to assisting children or young people when they wish to make a complaint. We know that children’s interests can be promoted more effectively by having a personal champion in the form of an advocate who can help children and young people ensure their views and wishes are heard at all times. Advocacy in its broader sense is about empowering children and young people to make sure that their rights are respected and that their views and wishes are fully considered and reflected in decision making about their own lives. 2.4 As the National Standards set out, advocacy services provide independent and confidential: ● Information; ● Advice; ● Representation; and ● Support. 10 2.5 The National Standards spell out the core principles which should inform the delivery of advocacy services: ● advocates should work for and with children and young people; ● advocates should help children and young people to raise issues and concerns about things they are unhappy about; ● advocates should value and respect children and young people as individuals; and ● advocates should ensure that children and young people can understand what is happening to them, can ma