Consultation

We fully recognise that children have their own views, wishes and feelings, and that we must promote each child's right to have a say.

• The children cared for by the Foundation will be consulted about every aspect of their care. This will be done both formally and informally using a variety of different means. No child is assumed unable to communicate their views; therefore appropriate methods for gaining views should be sought and provided. For example, children's views are sought 1:1 sessions, reviews and planning meetings;
• Children and young people will be actively encouraged to participate in the development of their individual care plans, reviews and any other key meetings and will be supported and encouraged to ensure their views are heard;
• It is the expectation that children will (alongside team members in the home) develop a child version of both their safety plans and their therapeutic plans, if the child doesn’t object. This can be completed in a creative way, as this does not necessarily need to be a paper based exercise;
• The digital recording system has been built to enable children to record their own life experiences and help develop the template. Forms for this will be ongoing;
• The children/young people will have opportunity to discuss, debrief and comment following any incident, consequence or use of restrictive physical intervention. They will also have the opportunity to read and comment on their review reports, care and health plans;
• The children/young people will have regular one to one sessions with adults to discuss continued needs, progress, any issues and to think about outcomes.

• Each home will have regular meetings to discuss and consult with the children about the operational aspects of the house. These are recorded as ‘children’s catch ups’  which is where the actions and decisions are completed. The records are also able to allow children to chair these meetings, which is to be promoted. Children will contribute to these meetings and all children are invited to take part. These are child friendly and are age appropriate. Children are given the opportunity to make/voice informal complaints both during and after the meeting.  Where a child or young person is unable to contribute in this meeting alternative methods to seek their views will be offered; 
• The children are consulted and may participate in the recruitment process of the adults and their views may be sought as part of the performance management process;
• Children and young people are encouraged to personalise their bedrooms in line with their individual tastes and interests, and will also be consulted about the décor of the home and purchasing new items or re-decoration;
• The children and young people will also have regular monthly opportunity to discuss with the Regulation 44 inspector, and the Responsible Individual, any concerns or issues they may have about the quality of care in the home. Any comments or concerns are raised and discussed with the Manager and appropriate action will be taken in response;
• A record of the views of children and young people about the development of the home and the children will be regularly consulted throughout the year. Any ideas and suggestions put forward will be considered and the children will receive feedback from the consultation. This is recorded in the ‘children’s development plan’ for each home;
• Have Your Say meetings are held regularly and are attended by representatives (children) from each home across the Foundation. These meetings are usually chaired by the Responsible Individual or another adult delegated on their behalf, This forum offers children the opportunity to make suggestions on Foundation-wide events or provide ideas about their home’s development for example. Children are encouraged to feed back the discussions and outcomes of these meetings, to other children in their home. Discussion points and actions are recorded by adults and circulated to the homes’ managers. 
  
  We will ensure that children are provided with information about how to contact the Children’s Commissioner, have access to a Children's Rights Officers (within the Placing Authority) and/or an Independent Advocate.

• The Registered Manager has regular consultation with professionals, families and significant others relating to the care of the child and operational running of the home as part of the Regulation 45 process;

• The home will ensure that any professionals and significant others including family where appropriate are kept informed of incidents, achievements and any concerns relating to the child;

• Formal consultation about the care and operational running of the home forms part of the monthly Regulation 44 inspection;

• The manager, as part of the annual review of the Home will ensure consultation with children and young people;
• Social Workers, Placing Authorities, families, significant others and other professionals inform the continued development of the service.