We recognise the importance of involving the views of children, young people and families in decisions that affect them and services that they will receive. Knowing where to start when seeking feedback or involving children and families in decision-making can sometimes be difficult but our Consultation and Engagement Network is here to help!
The majority of our network members work directly with children, young people and families and can therefore provide insight and advice into how to approach work in these areas and ensure it is done in a meaningful way.
Becoming a Member
The network is open to multi-agency representatives who are professional/community members who lead/facilitate a group of children or their parents/carers or who represent a service area or community which does not currently meet as a group.
The network meets every 6 weeks to discuss children, young people and families voices and influences and to review and update on requests for support. Becoming a member gives you the opportunity to meet with other professionals to share ideas and good practice, as well as giving the people you support the opportunity to have their say in decision making in the borough.
Contact katie.cramphorn@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk for more information on becoming a group member.
Requesting Support
If you need support in gathering the views of children, young people or families, complete Section One of the Request for Support Form. You might want to request support if:
- You already have access to a group of children/young people/families you want to consult but you're unsure of how to gather their views or what questions to ask
- You would like to gather the view of children/young people/families, but you do not directly work with them and need support from people who do
Download the Request for Consultation Support Form​. [doc to add]
In order for the group to decide the best way to support you, you will need to explain in the form:
- What you are aiming to gain from the consultation and any helpful background information
- Any specific ideas around the method you think should be used (for example, a survey or a focus group) or the demographics of the people involved
- Who the findings will be communicated to and what you believe the feedback will influence or help to change
Please submit Request for Support Forms with Section One completed to katie.cramphorn@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk