About the Office of the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People

The Advocate for Children and Young People is an independent statutory office reporting to the NSW Parliament through the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Children and Young People.

The office is established under the Advocate for Children and Young People Act 2014.

The Advocate for Children and Young People is supported by a small team in the Department of Communities and Justice.

Our mission

Together, making NSW a better place for children and young people.

Our principles

• The safety, welfare and well being of children and young people are the paramount considerations
• The views of children and young people are to be given serious consideration and taken into account
• A cooperative relationship between children and young people and their families and communities are important for the safety, welfare and well being of children and young people.

Our purpose

• Advocate for and promote the wellbeing of children and young people
• Promote the participation of children and young people in the decisions that affect their lives
• Make recommendations to government and non-government agencies on legislation, reports, policies, practices and services affecting children and young people
• Conduct, promote and monitor research into issues affecting children and young people
• Prepare, in consultation with the Minister, a three-year strategic plan for children and young people in the state.

Our approach

• Focus on systemic issues affecting children and young people
• Give priority to the interests and needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people
• Consult with children and young people from a broad range of backgrounds and ages throughout the State
• Work cooperatively with other organisations that provide services to or represent the interests of children and young people

The role of the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People

The Advocate works to improve the safety, welfare and well being of all children and young people in NSW. We speak up for children and young people to ensure that their rights are respected and their points of view heard by adult decision makers. We engage with the children and young people of NSW and listen to their feedback and input.

The role of the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People is to influence and initiate positive change by:

• making recommendations to Parliament, and government and non-government agencies on legislation, policies, practices and services that affect children and young people
• promoting children and young people’s participation in activities and decision-making about issues that affect their lives
• conducting research into children’s issues and monitoring children’s well-being
• holding inquiries into important issues relating to children and young people
• providing information to help children and young people.