Advocacy and support

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Looking to refer a case or explore a commissioning option?

Get in touch: info@theanchorcollective.org

Commissioning Our Services

Referrals and Commissioning

We currently accept referrals on a commissioned basis from local authorities, solicitors, and other legal professionals. We provide non-legal, rights based advocacy. We do not offer legal advice, clinical assessments or crisis intervention. Our support is trauma-informed, time-bound, and delivered within clear safeguarding protocols. While we work in collaboration with professionals, our advocacy is independent of local authorities and the formal statutory processes. Our role is designed to support and enhance meaningful participation, not duplicate or replicate existing services. Please note: we do not accept commissioning for one-off or ad-hoc support at this time.

Commissioning Options

We offer flexible support models tailored to different stages of a parent’s involvement in care proceedings.

To be eligible for commissioned support, the parent or family member must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a disabled person. This includes people with neurodivergence, mental health conditions, learning difficulties and disabilities, physical conditions, or long-term health conditions as defined under the Equality Act 2010.
    Parents do not need to self-identify as disabled - during intake, we explore how each individual relates to their experience. We have experience working with families from a wide range of backgrounds and identities.

  • Reside in England at the time of commissioning.

  • Be involved with children’s services under child protection, PLO, or care proceedings.

  • Have caring responsibilities for a child or children.
    Please indicate in your referral whether the parent or carer is the primary caregiver, currently pregnant, and/or holds parental responsibility.

All commissioned support includes wider advocacy based on the parent’s needs, assessed at intake.
This may include support with housing, welfare benefits, adult social care, communication access, and navigating complex systems. These are integrated into our standard practice, are not charged separately and do not reduce the commissioned hours (including when block hours are used).

What to expect from our core advocacy journey

A flowchart titled "Journey through the service" with five numbered steps: Referral, Intake and needs assessment, Ongoing advocacy, Case review and adjustments, and Transition or case closure.

Every parent we support moves through a shared structure, designed to ensure consistency, collaboration, and dignity throughout their time with us. Whether a family is with us for weeks or a year, we follow the same five-phase framework:

  1. Referral – Commissioning contact is made and initial context is shared.

  2. Intake and Needs Assessment – We meet with the parent to understand their goals, needs, and access requirements.

  3. Ongoing Advocacy – Regular check-ins, meeting preparation, professional liaison, and responsive support tailored to the case.

  4. Case Review and Adjustments – We revisit the plan with the parent, adapting to changes and reflecting on what's working.

  5. Transition or Case Closure – Support is tapered with care, including referrals, planning, and documentation as needed.

Block Commissioning

Best suited for early-stage involvement, pre-proceedings, or when the scope and duration of support is not yet clear.

10-Hour Block – £950

Includes:

  • Initial intake and needs assessment

  • Preparation and debrief for key meetings

  • Liaison with professionals

  • Flexible use across client contact, meeting attendance, and written support

  • Summary of support activity (on request)
    Valid for up to 3 months from the date of commission.

Top-Up Block (5 Hours) – £475

  • Add-on to existing commissioned cases

  • Used flexibly for additional meetings, follow-up support, or case planning

All time is relational — preparation, debriefing, and communication are included, not billed separately.

Full Case Support Packages

Designed for sustained involvement in care proceedings or for families at increased risk of repeated child protection concerns. These packages offer comprehensive, wraparound support.

6-Month Support Package – £3,000

Includes:

  • Advocacy support across 6 months

  • Attendance at formal meetings (e.g. case conferences, legal planning, court hearings)

  • Preparation and debrief for each meeting

  • Advocacy during parenting, psychological, and psychiatric assessments

  • Liaison with social workers, solicitors, and other professionals

  • Ongoing communication and relational support

  • Signposting and case closure planning

12-Month Support Package – £5,500

Includes everything in the 6-month package, plus:

  • Support extended across 12 months

  • Continuity for families in long-term or complex cases

  • Additional time for multi-agency liaison, referrals, and post-proceedings advocacy

  • Flexible response to evolving case needs

Commissioning Process

To commission support or discuss a referral:
info@theanchorcollective.org

We’re happy to provide quotes or adapt packages to meet the needs of individual cases.