Short film aims to highlight how advocacy can help families at risk of losing their children
An animated film is aiming to highlight the power of advocacy for families at risk of having children taken into care.
The film, created by the charity Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance (SIAA), highlights how advocacy can help families, especially those with support needs, to work through problems, helping them reach better outcomes for their children.
Called Opening Doors, the short film is based on real stories of actual families and depicts a number of people in different scenarios showing how advocacy can intercede.
Shaben Begum of SIAA said “The film gives a valuable insight into the power of independent advocacy. It will help people understand the role of advocacy and how advocates work.”
Produced by the Media Co-op, the film is part of a two-year families at risk project funded by the Scottish Government.
Gordon Thomson, SIAA chair, said “Everyone who works with children and families should watch this film. It’s hard hitting, direct and quickly explains how advocacy can make a difference.”
The film gives a valuable insight into the power of independent advocacy
Advocacy organisations across Scotland will be hosting their own showing of the film at the same time as the official premiere taking place on 4 March at Glasgow Film Theatre.
This will give Advocacy organisations an opportunity to share the film with people, politicians and organisations in their area.
The film will also be available in a number of languages and formats including BSL and subtitled editions in order to make the film accessible for all those that need it.
At a preview test screening Katherine Moir, frontline advocacy worker at CEARTAS in East Dunbartonshire, said: “This impressive film shows how independent advocacy can support someone in difficult circumstances, to help them understand the proceedings and have their say. It gives examples of how the best outcome might not be what the parent wants, but advocacy can help them come to terms with it, kept informed rather than excluded. It shows how advocacy workers don't give false promises.”
