Standard 9 / before

I have access to the legal advice, representation and high quality independent advocacy I need before, during and after any decision making process about restricting my liberty.

My solicitor spoke to me all the time and was really helpful at my meetings and court. I also had a guardian who would sit with me and explain things to me that I maybe didn’t understand. This was so helpful and made me feel a part of my meetings.

Why this standard matters to young people, in their words

Additional information about this standard

Illustrative links to the Health and Social Care Standards

The Pathway and Standards complement, align with, provide further context, and give unique voice to the Health and Social Care Standards. Both sets of standards apply for all children in, or on the edges of, secure care, with this section providing illustrative links between this standard and the Health and Social Care Standards.
  • 1.2 My human rights are protected and promoted and I experience no discrimination.
  • 1.3 If my independence, control and choice are restricted, this complies with relevant legislation and any restrictions are justified, kept to a minimum and carried out sensitively.
  • 1.9 I am recognised as an expert in my own experiences, needs and wishes.
  • 2.1 I can control my own care and support if this is what I want.
  • 2.3 I am supported to understand and uphold my rights.
  • 2.4 I am supported to use independent advocacy if I want or need this.
  • 2.6 I am as involved as I can be in agreeing and reviewing any restrictions to my independence, control and choice.
  • 2.7 My rights are protected by ensuring that any surveillance or monitoring device that I or the organisation use is necessary and proportionate, and I am involved in deciding how it is used.
  • 2.8 I am supported to communicate in a way that is right for me, at my own pace, by people who are sensitive to me and my needs.
  • 2.13 If a decision is taken against my wishes, I am supported to understand why.
  • 2.14 I am fully informed about what information is shared with others about me.
  • 2.20 If I need or want to move on and start using another service, I will be fully involved in this decision and properly supported throughout this change.
  • 3.13 I am treated as an individual by people who respect my needs, choices and wishes, and anyone making a decision about my future care and support knows me.
  • 3.20 I am protected from harm, neglect, abuse, bullying and exploitation by people who have a clear understanding of their responsibilities.
  • 4.4 I receive an apology if things go wrong with my care and support or my human rights are not respected, and the organisation takes responsibility for its actions.

Illustrative links to How Good is Our School? quality indicators

The Pathway and Standards complement, the How Good is Our School? quality indicators, with this section providing illustrative links between this standard and the quality indicators.
  • 2.1 Safeguarding and child protection