Voice of the child

  1. Introduction and context
  2. Considerations and first steps
  3. Using the tools
  1. Example tools and approaches
  2. Further examples and links

3. Using the tools

Many workers use tools to enable them to seek the views of children or to aid participation, enabling children to draw or write their views more freely than in direct conversation.

Useful examples are available to assist workers but not intended to replace other good practice. Workers should plan ahead and adapt tools to suit particular children and young people or circumstances. There are no right answers to how to do this, just opportunities in the available tools and resources such as books, dolls and figures, drawing materials, and games.

A wide range of tools are available to encourage us all and help with our direct work. Please take care and exercise professional judgement as they do not fit all children or all circumstances. They are intended as a guide and can be adapted for individual use. There are many more available and in use. Please share what you use yourself among teams and services.

There are more formal tools used within organisations that form part of assessments or reviews such as those used with looked after children and young carers. 

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Supporting children and families