Consulting on children's services: getting the views of children, parents and service providers

Abstract

Consulting those who use children’s services, both parents and children, has become a much more common approach to improving children’s services. This research briefing reports on some key findings of a consultation undertaken in the local authority area of South Ayrshire in Scotland, to find out about how to conduct such consultations and which methods to use. The consultation included those who use services, including children and young people and their parents, and staff providing a range of services in health, social work, education and voluntary organisations. The research was commissioned jointly by the local authority and local health board.