Provision of Child Advocacy Services

Tender description

The Police Crime Commissioner for South Wale Police may soon be seeking a replacement contract to provide Independent Advocacy Services to work with and support the child or young person’s own views or wishes and ensure that they receive the appropriate Services to meet their needs in terms of advocacy, as specified in the 2019 document Welsh Government National Standards and Outcomes Framework for Children and Young People in Wales. See below for further information. The Police Crime Commissioner for South Wale Police may soon be seeking a replacement contract to provide Child Advocacy Services, within the South Wales Police area, which speaks up for children and young people, empowering them to make sure their rights are respected and their views, wishes and feelings are heard at all times. The Advocates will engage with children and young people identified through missing person episodes and conduct Return Home Interviews (RHIs) with them. This provides the opportunity to listen, support and represent their views in any subsequent or ongoing safeguarding processes. When a child goes missing they may be exposed to a range of emotional, physical and sexual risks. They may engage in offending behaviour to survive or because they are being exploited by adults. We know that children with multiple missing episodes and those who go missing for prolonged periods are at high risk of child sexual exploitation and/or criminal exploitation and may be trafficked while they are missing. South Wales Police recognises that children should be given the opportunity to talk to about their experience of going missing and that Independent Child Advocates are best placed to provide this service.