Just to be clear - I'm not a social worker, my job is to increase the amount kids in care have a say in decisions that effect their lives. Unfortunately I think my bosses think my job is to increase the amount kids in care APPEAR to have a say. Big government push and there's no wish to start at the begining - like explaining to social workers that it doesn't mean they have to agree with everything kids say but it does mean listening and encouraging them to speak up! Then there's the social workers who do listen but have managers that give no weight to what the kids want as the decisions are made so overule the worker.
There are plenty of good hearts but no clarity, no time, and no funds. 8 kids paraded at will keeps the star givers happy and after all they can always consult on leaflet designs again and again and again......