§ Mr. KidneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what advocacy services are available to children on a national basis; What support they receive From public Funds; what national standards of operation apply to such services. [15039]
§ Mr. BoatengMany local authorities and voluntary organisations Provide advocacy and voluntary organisations Provide advocacy services to children. This year the Department of Health has contributed a total of £93, 163 to help some voluntary organisations provide information and advocates for them. This includes recent Funding to assist the development of national standards of advocacy. 661W These are unlikely to be implemented fully for a further two years. Advocacy services are not required to be inspected by local authority Inspection units; and the Department of Health has not undertaken any monitoring via its Social Services Inspectorate.