All 16- and 17-year-olds who present as homeless or at risk of homelessness must be offered access to independent advocacy. Advocacy should be:
- offered at the earliest possible stage,
- available in a timely way to support decision making, and
- recorded clearly, including whether it was accepted, declined, or pending.
Referrals to the Children and Young People’s Advocacy Service (ASIST) can be made by professionals, carers, families, or young people themselves to ensure their views and wishes are heard in decision-making.
Advocacy should be considered for children in care, care leavers, and those receiving statutory support. Referrals can be submitted via the ASIST referral page:
