Every day, children and young people in care try to navigate a system without anyone on their side. Decisions about where they will live, who they see, and how safe they are, are being made around them rather than with them. Too often, children face these moments entirely alone, often feeling unheard, unseen, and powerless. Many children in care do not know that they have rights; being moved, ignored and unheard so many times they no longer trust that adults will listen or care.

Every child has the right to be heard. NYAS places a trusted, independent champion alongside them when decisions are being made about their lives. Through rights-based advocacy, legal representation, mentoring, independent visiting and our free confidential helpline, we make sure children, young people and vulnerable adults are heard, protected and supported. We speak their truth to those with power to act, and use what they tell us to influence wider system change.