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W

Wishes and feelings of children and young people

The Children Act says, that children and young people should be able to think about their life and to say what they feel. Their wishes and feelings should be listened to when decisions are being made about their future.

This means that when social workers, foster carers and other people involved with you are making plans about your care they should ask you about what you want and how you feel about the decisions being made about you.

It may not always be possible to give you what you want, but you have to be listened to and decisions that have been made should be explained to you.

We also have to listen to other people such as your parents when they are deciding what action to take. However, when a final decision is made it should always be based on what is in your best interests.

When you are 16 years or over you can make some decisions without your parents’ permission. At this age it is likely that your social worker and foster carer will be helping you to plan for moving into independence. At this time your wishes and feelings will be very important. However, until you reach the age of 18 years we will still need to consult with your parents and listen to their views. If you and your parents have different views then your social worker will need to talk to you both to try to resolve the issues. However, the final decision will have to be made in your best interests.