Children in care and care leavers have made a film calling on adults who work with them to ask about the things that matter most in their lives.
The short film was made with young people and children’s services in Dorset, Coventry, St Helens and Surrey as part of a project by Coram Voice.
Julie (not her real name), who helped make the picture, said: ‘Adults need to talk to us about the stuff that really matters. We know some of these things can feel very real or difficult, especially when we need to talk about family or where we are living.
‘It’s not just about ticking boxes and talking about the things that you think are important. It’s about talking to us about the the things that make our lives better.’
Children in care and care leavers regularly say being listened to is important to them. The project, called Ask Me What Matters, is focused on making those conversations part of everyday contact with professionals.
The four councils have worked with young people to decide what they want to be asked about their lives and the questions are now being added to case management systems.
Linda Briheim-Crookall, head of policy and practice development at Coram Voice, said: ‘Children and care leavers are the experts in their own lives. Professionals bring knowledge and experience, but young people bring insight into their own hopes, relationships and ambitions.
‘Asking and acting on what matters to them should be central to how we care for children and young people, not an add-on. We hope the Ask Me What Matters tools can help workers and services make sure this happens.’
Jamie-Leigh Clark, assistant manager, user voice and participation at Surrey County Council, added: ‘Our young people told us they wanted to be asked about the things that matter most in their lives, not just the information we need to collect.
‘By embedding their questions into our practice, we’ve created more meaningful conversations that help shape plans and support.’
Image: Coram Voice
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