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.
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