Change for children programme

‘Participation’ is a requirement of the governments ‘change for children ‘ programme. It ensures that policies and services are designed for the needs of children and young people by involving them in all decisions that effect them at both a local and national level.

Through consultation, children and young people are encouraged to express their views about what works, what doesn’t and what could work better. By encouraging an open dialogue we can create better outcomes for children, young people and their families.

Engaging children and young people also gives them an opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and make a positive contribution to the community.

In Hampshire, we involve children and young people by:

• running events which bring young people together and give them an opportunity to share experiences
• exploring issues through workshops, discussions and performing arts
• involving young people in evaluation days
• encouraging children and young people to be actively involved in the recruiting of staff
• providing training and support to help young people learn new skills that equip them for the future

The Care Action Team

The Care Action Team (CAT) is a group of young people who are, or have been, in care. They work together with other Looked After Children to improve the way services are provided. The CAT mark was introduced to help review and monitor services and to give accreditation to those which are most effective.

Your Shout

Your Shout is a newsletter to inform children and young people about participation news and up coming events. It is produced quarterly and is sent out to all Looked After Children in Hampshire.

The first edition, includes a questionnaire so that we can get young peoples views on how they would like to newsletter to look and what they think it should include.

For more information on Participation, call 01962 845313.