Wakefield Children’s Advocacy and Participation Service

Wakefield CAPS offers independent advocacy services to children and young people who are ‘looked after’ by the local authority throughout the Wakefield district and to those who are placed out of authority. The service also supports young people up to the age of 21 years through the complaints procedure.

There are approximately 360 children and young people in the Wakefield area who are in the care of the local authority. Advocacy received 320 referrals supporting 96 individual young people last year. Our service is provided by the partnership between Barnardo’s and Wakefield Metropolitan District Council - Family Services.

In addition, we recruit volunteers for our independent visitors, befriending and peer mentoring services that supports children and young people who are in the care of the local authority.

The participation team supports and encourages all children and young people throughout the Wakefield District to participate in group work by attending consultation events to get their ideas and suggestions to develop services provided by the local authority. Being involved in our groups gives the young person the opportunity to make new friends, gain a sense of achievement as well as building their self esteem and confidence.