Webinar: Many parents involved with children’s services report feeling marginalised and disempowered in their relationships with social workers. But what if there was a way to change this dynamic?

Dr Rebecca Jones, Hayley Pert, Professor Clive Diaz, David Westlake

Summary

A new Nuffield Family Justice Observatory report evaluates a pilot intervention — the Young People’s Participation Pathway — designed to give young people involved in care proceedings the opportunity to meet regularly with the judges making decisions about their futures. Traditionally, children’s voices are represented indirectly, which can leave them feeling excluded and uncertain. The pilot found that most participants valued the meetings, reporting increased confidence, reduced anxiety and a better understanding of the court process. Some young people described feeling more at ease and trusting that decisions were being made in their best interests after direct dialogue with judges. The pilot also showed that small, meaningful changes — such as adjustments to access to personal items — were made following meetings, and that involvement helped some young people accept difficult decisions even when outcomes didn’t match their preferences. Implementation challenges included mixed views from judges about role boundaries and a need for clearer involvement of guardians. The report recommends expanding opportunities for direct engagement to support procedural justice, young people’s wellbeing and clearer understanding of care proceedings.