‘Children want to have greater say’

Placements for looked-after children are most likely to succeed if children are asked how they feel about them, a survey has found.

The study by children’s rights director Roger Morgan, based on the views of 86 children and young people, found that almost half were not given a choice about their placements in fostering or residential care.

After seeking children’s views, the report said the next most important factor was ensuring children visited the placement and met carers before a decision was taken.

Children also wanted social workers to contact them just after they had started a placement to see how it was going, and to arrange to see them without the presence of carers.

They also suggested that care reviews could be improved by allowing children to write their views or, in the case of younger children, draw them, and by having an advocate.

● Placements, Decisions and Reviews