Petition · Department of Health and Social Care
Regulate SEND advocates to protect parents needing legal advice
Open for signatures
84 signatures
What the petition asks
There has been a significant rise in advocates providing paid services for parents of children with special educational needs. Many parents are finding themselves desperately seeking guidance and support with the current complex legal framework. There is no regulation for advocacy services
The free statutory Information and Advice Services (IAS) that are provided by Local Authorities vary greatly in the level of support they are able to provide. With many having services cut. We feel both IAS services & registered charities are unable to cope with the colossal amount of parents needing legal advice. This means many parents are unable to access reputable free support. Any service providing advice around legal frameworks must be regulated to ensure parents are protected & not taken advantage off.
Timeline
| 30 Apr 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
84
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department of Health and Social Care
Opened
30 Apr 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.