All-Wales Children and Young People’s Advocacy Providers Group: Our recommendations for the next Welsh Government

The All-Wales Children and Young People’s Advocacy Providers Group have published its priorities for the 2026 Senedd Election, calling on the next Welsh Government to take steps to prioritise access to advocacy support for babies, children and young people, and for those in positions to advocate for them.

The Group, managed by Children in Wales, set out the priorities the Welsh Government should commit to which includes commissioning an independent review of the National Approach to Statutory Advocacy; improve take up and reporting arrangements of the Active Offer; the creation of a national commissioning framework and a review of the present funding formula

The report also calls for an extension of advocacy support to all children in residential care settings; enhanced advocacy provision in health, mental health and education settings, and the strengthening of Parental Advocacy support, universal provision and access to Independent Visiting.

“Children and young people’s voices must be at the centre of every decision that affects them. As we approach a decade since the National Approach to Statutory Advocacy was introduced, and with the Senedd entering a new chapter alongside the Welsh Government’s commitment to removing profit from care, this is a pivotal moment for our babies, children and young people in Wales, in particular those most vulnerable. We urge all political parties to strengthen advocacy support, ensuring that every child and parent, particularly those most in need, can access independent, high-quality advocacy. The next Welsh Government must put babies, children, young people and their families, and those who champion their rights, at the heart of policy and practice.”
- Rhiannon Beaumont-Walker, Chair All-Wales Children and Young People’s Advocacy Providers Group & Chief Executive TGP Cymru