When children and young people are involved and participate in the development and decision-making process of their plans, it leads to them being measurably:
- Happier
- More engaged
- Willing to try harder
- Able to achieve more
The very process of participation:
- profoundly affects their lives and wellbeing,
- ensures decisions taken on their behalf are responsive to their needs,
- means their decisions are more likely to be respected and accepted.
- empowers them, and
- demonstrates an increase in confidence.
What we have learnt is that this participation in an ongoing process, not a one-off event, which enables the child or young person to have a tangible influence on their own outcomes.
And, Viewpoint’s My Plan: What’s important to me, is a part of this ongoing process, enabling children and young people to identify and record their priorities and to make meaningful contributions to their individual plans.
Also, research evidence shows that using audio computer assisted self-interviewing (ACASI) such as Viewpoint, makes it easier for young people to identify the positive and not so positive aspects of their lives, and subsequently talk about themselves in detail and without any awkwardness with their practitioner.
My Plan: What’s important to me is immediately available at the end of a Viewpoint ACASI self-assessment and allows a young person’s priorities to be recorded.
A literature review focused on the structures and procedures to support children's participation in decision-making in children’s social care found several key enabling factors:
- Giving practitioners the time to establish a trusting and stable relationship with the child,
- Equipping practitioners with the skills required to communicate effectively with children of all ages and abilities,
- Supporting children to engage, and adequately preparing them to contribute to decisions being taken, and
- Providing the openings to communicate the child’s views to those with the power to effect change.
Using Viewpoint ACASI and My Plan: What’s important to me supports these enabling factors. Young people identify what is important to them in their lives.
Identifying priorities and acting to address these, improves their satisfaction and sense of wellbeing. They feel respected and listened to.