Support for care children

CHILDREN in care in Oldham will get an extra voice from November when the Children’s Society becomes their advocate.

A three-year contract to provide a full-time children’s rights, advocacy and independent visitors service has been awarded to the charity.

The £198,000 deal was sealed after the Children’s Society was scrutinised by two children in council care and three professionals.

The youngsters helped to find out if the welfare services being offered by the charity were up to scratch.

Five organisations were shortlisted and three interviewed.

The charity will help children and young people in care to make representations or complaints about the service.

It will also provide independent visitors for children who do not get visits from their parents or other people with parental responsibilities.