Our legislation

The Advocate for Children and Young People Act 2014, sets out our responsibilities and our main functions.

The main functions are to:

• advocate for and promote the safety, welfare and well-being of children and young people aged 0 to 24 years
• promote the participation of children and young people in the making of decisions that affect their lives
• conduct special inquiries into issues affecting children and young people
• make recommendations to government and non-government agencies on legislation, reports, policies, practices, procedures and services affecting children and young people
• conduct, promote and monitor research into issues affecting children and young people
• promote the provision of information and advice to assist children and young people
• prepare, in consultation with the Minister, a three-year strategic plan for children and young people in NSW.

The Advocate also provides secretariat support to the NSW Youth Advisory Council.

In undertaking these functions, the Advocate must:

• 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 age groups throughout the State
• work co-operatively with other organisations that provide services to or represent the interests of children and young people.