Children's participation in LAC reviews: A study in one English local authority

Pert, Hayley; Diaz, Clive; Thomas, Nigel

Abstract

Although the law in England and Wales requires a child's wishes and feelings to be heard in LAC (Looked After Children) reviews, there remains limited research into how far this is achieved. This study interviewed 25 children and 16 foster carers to explore how well children understand and take part in reviews, and what factors impede this. The study found that levels of participation, as experienced by children and foster carers, were very low and the methods used were relatively ineffective. Children experienced significant barriers in engaging with the review process. The paper concludes that, as a vehicle of children's participation, LAC reviews are still not working well and calls for more attention to the views of children and young people and to the effectiveness of LAC reviews.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 18, 2014
• Online Publication Date: Nov 6, 2014
• Publication Date: Feb 27, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jun 1, 2023
• Journal: Child and Family Social Work
• Print ISSN: 1356-7500
• Electronic ISSN: 1365-2206
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 22
• Pages: 1-10
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12194
• Keywords: advocacy for children; child care policy and practice; children's participation; independent reviewing officers; looked-after children
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10830574
• Publisher URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cfs.12194