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Advocacy, social justice and children's rights

Boylan, Jane; Dalrymple, Jane

Authors

Jane Boylan

Jane Dalrymple



Abstract

The emergence of independent advocacy services for children and young people has had an impact on promoting the rights of children and young people. Historically, advocacy has been considered an important social work skill underpinned by principles of human rights and social justice. However, the development of independent advocacy and changes in the delivery of health and social care services have had an impact on how far social workers now feel able to directly advocate for service users. This paper interrogates the tensions faced by social workers in managing their advocacy role through a discussion of advocacy in relation to children and young people. By examining the concepts of 'best interests' and the welfare of the child the paper considers dilemmas for social workers committed to advocating for children and young people. It argues that if principles of social justice are to be upheld practitioners need to actively consider ways to reclaim a culture of advocacy. © 2011 British Association of Social Workers.

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Feb 1, 2011
Journal Practice
Print ISSN 0950-3153
Electronic ISSN 1742-4909
Publisher Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 23
Issue 1
Pages 19-30
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/09503153.2010.536212
Keywords advocacy, social justice, children's rights
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/965448
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09503153.2010.536212