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Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definitions
3. Participation Values
4. Why Involve Young People in Participation Activities?
5. How does Lambeth benefit from Young People's Participation?
6. Lambeth Specialist Services - Standards of Participation
7. Participation Opportunities for Children and Young People Looked After and Leaving Care

1. Introduction

The full participation, involvement and contribution of children and young people looked after and leaving care aged between 0 to 25 years is crucial and is very much at the heart of the Lambeth Corporate Parenting Strategy. It has made a real and measurable difference to the way services are shaped and provided to children in care and leaving care. 

As a council, we are committed to listening to children and young people about their experiences of the services that they receive and the issues important to them; and work with them to deliver improvements that reflect their views. 

This work centres on promoting the five outcomes from the 'Every Child Matters' agenda and developing positive outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.  To achieve this; all participation activities encompass a range of capacity-building opportunities for children and young people including formal accreditation, training, confidence-building, work experience and/or development of new skills.

2. Definitions

Children and young people

Children and young people looked after and leaving care are defined as between the ages of 0 to 21, and up to 25 years if in higher education.

Participation

Participation is the process of involving children and young people in decision making. Participation can happen in lots of different ways, for example, group discussions, questionnaires, individual conversations, art based projects and many more. All participation must influence what we do and how we do it as a local authority.

Consultation

Consultation is the process of listening to and gathering children and young people's views. Consultation is seen as one method of participation, in involving children and young people in decision making.

Involvement

Involvement is used to describe any form of engagement with children and young people in Lambeth participation and/or consultation activities.

3. Participation Values

The active involvement and participation of children and young people looked after and leaving care is guided by the Lambeth Corporate Parenting Strategy, Lambeth Children and Young People's Plan, The Children Act 1989 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, in particular Article 12 that states:

"Every Child or young person has the right to express his or her views on all matters that affect them and their views should be given due weight in accordance to their age and maturity."

The UK has ratified the UN Convention, and as a council we are required by law to take seriously the wishes, views and feelings of children and young people.

4. Why Involve Young People in Participation Activities?

• We are a public service and it is an obligation to listen to those we are employed to serve;
• We have a statutory responsibility to listen to the views and experiences of children and young people;
• The services that we provide will be more effective and better targeted as a result of young people's involvement;
• Young people have a right to be involved if they want to be and share their views, thoughts, feelings and wishes;
• Young people will benefit from services that are improved and more responsive to their needs;
• Young people will benefit from being involved in decision-making processes by developing their skills and confidence and to build social relationships;
• Young people's involvement can help to develop a sense of their own rights and responsibilities as 'citizens'.

5. How does Lambeth benefit from Young People's Participation?

• Young people's involvement brings fresh perspectives and new ideas into how services can be delivered;
• Young people's involvement allows us to design, deliver and evaluate our services and policies based on the actual needs of young people, rather than on presumptions;
• It is one of the key methods to ensuring that we are meeting the needs of children and young people looked after and leaving care.

6. Lambeth Specialist Services - Standards of Participation

6.1 Children and young people are listened to and free to express their views on all matters that affect them

Good practice principles and our commitment:

• We use a range of different methods to listen to children and young people on the matters that are important to them, and that affect them;
• We communicate information and messages from children and young people to the relevant decision-makers;
• We make sure adults are trained and supported to listen effectively to a diverse range of children and young people;
• Children and young people's involvement happens at the earliest possible stage of planning;
• Children and young people's experience of the participation process will be positive and empowering.

6.2 Children and young people's participation directly influences decision-making at all relevant levels

Good practice principles and our commitment:

• Children and young people's views are actively considered and incorporated in decision-making at all relevant levels;
• We show evidence of the impact and influence of children and young people's participation;
• We check with young people that they know what the impact and influence of their involvement is in their participation;
• Feedback is given to children and young people in a variety of formats and within agreed timescales e.g. through the children in care council.

6.3 A diverse range of children and young people are given equal opportunities to be involved in participation initiatives

Good practice principles and our commitment:

• A diverse range of children and young people looked after and leaving care will be involved in participation activities;
• Participation activities take into account the age, gender, ethnicity and interests of children and young people; and a range of methods and approaches are used to engage them accordingly;
• In planning participation activities we consider the barriers that may prevent certain children and young people being involved and address these as best as possible.  For example transport, access, timing of events, translation and interpretation;
• Participation activities give children and young people opportunities to try new things, to make friends, to develop their skills and to have fun.

6.4 The contribution of children and young people in participation activities is valued and rewarded

Good practice principles and our commitment:

• The contribution of children and young people is recognised, rewarded and valued in line with the Lambeth Incentive and Recognition Policy for children looked after and resources are allocated accordingly;
• Children and young people's active participation will be rewarded and acknowledged at the annual reach for the stars award ceremony;
• Children and young people will be given opportunities to develop their skills, confidence and portfolio e.g. receive training and/or accreditation;
• Resources are put in place to support fun activities either as a reward or as part of the process to engage children and young people effectively.

6.5 Children and young people are safeguarded within all participation activities

Good practice principles and our commitment:

• Safeguarding and promotion of the individual child or young person's welfare is the first priority in the planning and delivery of all participation activities;
• Children and young people are safeguarded throughout the participation process in line with the Lambeth safeguarding policies and procedures;
• All activities will be effectively risk assessed. This includes addressing the particular risks faced by specific groups of children and young people involved in participation;
• Information provided by children and young people is respected in line with Lambeth procedures and standards on information sharing and confidentiality;
• Informed consent from children, young people, foster carers and social workers is gained for all participation activities;
• If a young person is to have any involvement with the media this will be followed in line with the Lambeth press policy of children looked after in the media. The anonymity and safeguarding of children and young people looked after is the priority.

7. Participation Opportunities for Children and Young People Looked After and Leaving Care

Central to the work of Lambeth Specialist services is the opportunity for children and young people in care and leaving care to express their views, wishes and feelings about the care that they receive. 

1. Social work visits
   
   Social work visits are statutory and they provide an opportunity for social workers to check on their young person's development, health and wellbeing and to ensure they are happy. They are usually held in the young person's placement although sometimes the social worker may take them out as it gives the young person a chance to voice any issues they may have felt uncomfortable within the home. It is important for the social worker to spend time with the young person and to engage in their interests to ensure the relationship is good and that the young person is comfortable with them. Punctuality and keeping appointments are positive ways of keeping in good terms with the young person. Good practice is that these meetings are young person led and where decisions are required, the young person is involved and has a good understanding about what is being discussed.
2. Review process - consultation forms
   
   The purpose of the review is to consider the plan for the welfare of the child and to monitor the progress of the plan and make decisions to amend it as necessary in the light of changed knowledge or circumstances. The Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) will make every effort to enable the young person to make a meaningful contribution to their review be it written or verbal. IRO's are required to speak to the child in private prior to the meeting so they can express any wishes, thoughts or feelings on issues to be looked at during the review. If the child or young person is unable to attend this will be done; by phone, by text or the IRO will visit on a different day to obtain their contribution.
3. Personal Education plan - young person's contribution form
   
   A Personal Education Plan (PEP) is a statutory document for young people who are of school age (5 to 16 years) and looked after. It is a planning document to support the educational development of young people in care. The young people's contribution form is part of the PEP and enables the young person to have a say about their education. This form is done before the PEP meeting and can be filled out with a teacher, carer or social worker if the child or young person needs assistance. It is aimed to be young person friendly and is good for the young people who may find it difficult to speak out openly at the PEP meeting. See Personal Educational Plan Policy Procedure.
4. Fostering annual reviews - young person's feedback form
   
   Every registered foster carer must have an annual review. As part of this process, young people are invited to give their views about their foster care placement via a young person's feedback form. This provides valuable insight into the support that foster carers provide to their young people and can help to identify any areas where foster carers may require additional training or support.
5. Pathway planning process
   
   The Pathway Plan is the Care Plan for young people who are 16 years and over and it looks at how a young person is supported with their transition to independence.  It is a means for young people to be able to plan and set goals for themselves in all important aspects of their life covering topics like; health, education, family contact, budgeting and ensuring the young person has important documents such as passports and NI numbers. The social worker will visit the young person at home and the key point of the meeting is to let the young person set their plans, goals and deadlines which may include things their social worker needs to also do for them. At the next meeting goals are reviewed and progress on the goals set is checked. The pathway plan is a good way to get young people to start thinking and planning for themselves and is reviewed every 6 months. See Pathway Planning Procedure.
6. Children in Care council - monthly meetings with young people in care and leaving care to raise issues with senior managers
   
   In 2009 central government issued guidance for all local authorities to have a Children in Care Council (CiCC) to listen to the views of young people in care and for them to meet directly with senior managers and elected members.  Lambeth have been running their own CiCC 'Visions of Success' (VOS) since 2004. The CiCC is an opportunity for young people in and leaving care to meet on a monthly basis and discuss important issues about their experiences. It also provides a means for young people to suggest ways in which services could be improved for young people and also become involved in shaping services. The CiCC also provides a check and balance as to whether Lambeth are delivering on their pledge to children in and leaving care and take a role in delivering some aspects of the annual consultation action plan. Members of the CiCC are also involved in the Corporate Parenting Board where they meet with elected members and senior managers to input their ideas and the views of young people.
7. Annual consultation "This is what it's like to be looked after by Lambeth"
   
   Every year Lambeth undertakes a consultation with children and young people aged 5 to 24 years looked after and leaving care to find out what it's like to be looked after.  This is supported by the CiCC who help to write the questions and interview other young people.  The CiCC reports back on what young people say and look at ways to improve services.  At least 200 young people take part each year in a variety of ways including postal survey, telephone interviews, focus groups and creative workshops. An action plan is developed from the key findings to make sure improvements are made; and are used by services across Specialist Services and with partner agencies to help inform their priorities and service plans.
8. Get 2 Know website - contact form
   
   The G2K website was launched in 2007 and provides children looked after and leaving care an interactive way to access useful information about services, events, news and opportunities. From summer 2011 G2K website will be accessed via the Young Lambeth website which is available for all children and young people in Lambeth. A contact form is available for young people to use where they require further information or request to contribute to the G2K area of the website.
9. Focus groups and consultation activities during the half-term holiday periods
   
   Each year a number of focus groups and consultation activities are run for children looked after. These activities have a fun and creative focus while allowing young people to make new friends, have their say and feed into important themes and issues about being in care. For example in April 2010 a group of young people aged 11 to 16 years made a play based on consultations with other young people and their own views on social workers, foster carers and the services they receive. It was an interactive and fun way for them to express their views and this play was performed for an audience which included their social workers, carer's family and friends.  A group of 5 -11 year olds attended an October half term activity in 2010 where they provided their views about their social workers, foster carers and education. This was done through creative art and engagement.
10. Meetings between young people looked after and the Chief Executive of Lambeth twice a year
    
    Young people looked after and leaving care have the opportunity to meet with the Chief Executive of Lambeth Council every 6 months. Young people are involved in setting the agenda for the meeting and with deciding which questions to ask. The meetings allow the Chief Executive to have a direct dialogue with children in care to Lambeth about their experiences. Young people get the chance to speak to the most senior officer of the council.
11. Meetings with the Director of Children's Services and the Lead member for children and young people twice a year
    
    Young people have the opportunity to meet with the Director of Children's Services and Lead Member for Children and Young People every 6 months. There are occasions where these meetings tie in with meetings with the Chief Executive to avoid duplication of issues or topics that are discussed, however they also take place separately. Young people get the chance to talk to the Lead Member and Director about key issues that are important to them and how services can be improved.
12. Young people attend the Corporate Parenting Board five times a year
    
    The Corporate Parenting Board (CPB) is chaired by the Lead Member of Children and Young People and attended by elected members and senior officers across the Council. There is also representation from partner agencies such as Health. The role of the CPB is to monitor how well the Council is meeting its corporate parenting responsibilities for children in and leaving care. The board meet five times a year and each meeting is themed around one every child matters outcome. Young people from the Children in Care Council attend the CPB every meeting and have a standing agenda item to provide an update on young people's views and progress of the children in care council. Young people raise key themes from consultations with other young people and priority areas they want discussed.
13. Young people deliver training to social workers and managers
    
    Young people looked after and leaving care are invited to participate in helping to train social workers and managers.  One of the training programmes delivered to social workers is 'Total Respect Training', which is an accredited programme that supports young people to develop their skills and confidence in delivering this training with social workers and foster carers. The training aims to improve active listening by key professionals with the children and young people they work with and in doing so encourage greater involvement from children and young people in decisions made about their care. Each session is for one full day.  Young people also get involved in delivering presentations to professionals as part of other events that come up for example social work graduate events and external conferences such as the community care live event. 
14. Young people interview candidates as part of the recruitment process for social workers and managers
    
    Young people looked after and care leavers are invited to help recruit all new permanent social workers, managers and senior managers in Lambeth Specialist Services.  Young people receive AQA accreditation for their involvement.  The young people are involved in writing the interview questions and they form their own interview panel. They use competency based scoring to make recommendations to hiring managers about a candidate's suitability. The young people's interview panels are well embedded within the recruitment process of children's social care staff.
15. Young people inspect commissioned services and help select new services as part of the tendering process
    
    Young people looked after and care leavers get involved in commissioning panels where they help Lambeth to review and select new services such as semi-independent providers.  Young people undertake training in 'mystery shopping' and 'inspection' and receive AQA accreditation for this. This training provides young people with the knowledge and skills to inspect the quality of services provided for other young people. This happens in a variety of ways from sitting on tendering panels; to going out to interview young people who access commissioned providers.
16. Young people present to prospective foster carers as part of preparation training
    
    Every prospective foster carer must attend preparation training as part of the screening and recruitment process. Young people who are care experiences are involved in presenting their own experiences of being looked after to prospective carers. The young person's presentation provides a powerful message for people who are interested in becoming a foster carer and gives them valuable insight into the life of a child who has been in care and the difference that a good foster carer makes.
17. Young people get involved in attending events and contributing to publications by a range of local and national consultation events with organisations such as Ofsted, Care Matters Partnership and London Councils.
    
    Young people regularly have opportunities to take part in local and national consultation events for children looked after and care leavers. These include discussion on areas such as the care and support provided by their local authority, supporting young people with their education, employment and training, managing relationships with key professionals that work with them including their social worker and foster carer.  This is an opportunity for young people to influence policies for children looked after and care leavers at a regional and national level.
18. Young people involved in social work induction training
    
    Young people are involved in facilitating activities at induction training for social workers who are new to Lambeth Children's Specialist Services.  The aim of the exercise is to demonstrate that the views of children and young people are taken seriously and to provide a taster for social workers and encourage them to sign up for the full day of "Total Respect" training. It also impresses upon new members of staff Lambeth's commitment to listening to children and young people and that they must be involved in decision making processes.
19. Young people get involved in helping to develop new Lambeth publications, policies and promotional materials
    
    Young people are consulted upon when new materials are developed and designed to ensure that they are suitable and engaging for young people. Young people have helped to design and develop young people's review contribution forms, young people's complaints leaflet, the leaving care hand book, the G2K website, the 'Our Life' song written and recorded by young people about their social workers and foster carers.  This is embedded into practice to make sure that all new documents are written and designed with young people's input; to make sure they are as effective as possible.
20. Young people take part in work experience (paid and unpaid) and work shadowing opportunities
    
    Steps to Success (S2S) is Lambeth's employability programme for children looked after and care leavers. S2S offers young people opportunities to undertake paid and unpaid work placements, work experience and shadowing opportunities within and external to the council. The programme aims to provide young people with confidence and work based skills and helps prepare them for the world of work. Young people are matched to their placements based on their skills, interests, abilities and talents and provided with appropriate support and guidance to complete their work placements.
21. Care Leavers are consulted at the annual 'You Talk, We Listen' event
    
    Care leavers are invited to attend annual consultation events where they are asked for their views on themed topic areas such as pathway plans and education, employment and training. The results of the consultation are used to help inform the leaving care service about which areas they can provide additional support for young people and which areas they are doing well.
22. Consultation is built into a range of activities including Reach for the Stars award ceremony and summer activities.
    
    When there are large events for young people who are in or leaving care these are used as opportunities to consult with them in a creative and engaging way. In doing so, this helps to make sure that we are consulting with as wide a range of young people through a number of different methods. Some of these activities have included the Big Brother diary room at Reach for the Stars where young people were able to dress up and give their candid views on workers, foster carers, schools and their reviews. Younger children were also able to tell us about their wishes, hopes and dreams for the future using the 'aspirations tree'.  All of the views of young people are recorded and fed into managers and senior managers to influence services and decision-making.

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