Eurochild's European-wide survey indicated very patchy participation for looked-after young people, with massive inconsistency in having an effective voice in personal care proceedings as well as any influence in collective decision making. One overarching message was that all states should incorporate the Convention on the Rights of the Child in domestic law.
Blockages in England were summarised as the lack of overall commitment and investment from the state, the lack of a public policy framework based on human rights, public attitudes toward the young and participation not built in.
There was hope, however, from young people in care who took a leading part in the conference, including Jonid Pashaj and Tim Smith from the London Borough of Richmond. They were supported by Paul Smith, their participation and viewpoint worker and Bill Badham, co-author of The National Youth Agency's Hear by Right participation standards.
Tim and Jonid told the audience how the individual voice of the young person in care has been strengthened in their care through introducing Viewpoint - an interactive questionnaire.
Their collective influence on decision making also increased through setting up a participation group of 12 young people meeting monthly to influence decision making. This has grown through taking part in the London Pledge of 47 key promises across all 32 boroughs for young people in care, the local pledge and Care Council.
These initiatives have the full support and co-operation of leaders and managers, with regular reviews of progress. As a result, the young people have taken part in selection panels for staff, senior managers and foster carers and led training on participation for staff. They have gained national and international recognition and influence through being part of reviewing the government's Children's Plan, and they have addressed issues of funding and financial capability and shared experiences in the US and across Europe.
There is of course much still to do locally and across Europe. For Jonid the challenge is "to provide the most necessary financial help". For Tim there is still more to do on the overall quality of staff: "If you can't interact with young people then the job isn't for you, although you may have all the degrees to say you can."
