BaNES Re-commissioning of Children’s Social Care, SEND Advocacy & Independent Visiting

Independent advocacy whether it is statutory or non-statutory help and support children and young people to have as much influence and control as possible over their lives. Advocates work in partnership with the children and young people they support and take their side.

Independent Visitors (IV) are often the only constant person in a child or young person’s life. The advocacy and IV services currently provided meet a number of different needs in specific circumstances including helping children and young people understand information, express their needs and wishes, secure their rights, represent their interests and befriending them (IV).

The contracts that are in place have been in place for several years and are due to expire. The council are taking this opportunity to re-examine these services and re-commission as needed to ensure that the right provision is in place.

The current services in place cover:

• Children’s social care advocacy (looked after children and child protection)
• SEND advocacy
• Independent Visiting

B&NES would like to invite organisations to a market engagement session on the 6th October 2022 10am-12pm via Teams. If you would like to be receive an invite please email kay_sibley@bathnes.gov.uk to request a link to the meeting.

Strategic Commissioning Officer (Advocacy)– Childrens Complex Care and Targeted Support

kay_sibley@bathnes.gov.uk

07976752460

01225395437