26 July 2016
Here are seven things that young people in care told us while discussing ‘Having a Say’ at our youth consultation last week. 1
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1. I do need to talk with you. I need to let you know what is important to me, to get what I want and need and to be kept safe.
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2. Some ways of communicating with me don’t work:
- suggestion boxes are not private and sometimes nothing happens
- certificates and awards can be nice but I might not like being singled out and paraded in front of everyone
- I’m not going to share my feelings at house meetings if everyone is having a go at each other
3. I have ways of sending messages to you, that you may not understand, for example:
- I may have my earbuds in but this is not always to listen to music. It can also be so I am left alone or so I can avoid joining in before I am ready
- I may be dismissive but that’s because I am still working out what is going on and if I can trust you
- I may be quiet and withdrawn for the same reason
- I may tell you how I am feeling by what I wear
4. I may find it easier to use pictures rather than words:
- pointing at emoticons on cards or posters can tell you how I’m feeling without words
- I can tell you things about myself and my life with my camera
- I can show you things about myself from my Life Story Book
5. I can have a say most easily with people I know and trust and with whom I have a relationship.[spacer height=”20px”]
6. I am not the same as every other young person in care.[spacer height=”20px”]
7. I need you to understand where I have come from and how I am dealing with this situation so that you can understand me when I have a say.
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Please share your insights and experiences with us in the reply space below.
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1 These are not all the exact words of the young people but as respectful and faithful a representation of their intent, as we can make it. Huge thanks to the seven young people who shared and showed us so much last week. Also thanks to the management and staff of HYPA for their help in putting the consultation together.
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This item was also published in the August 2016 Guardian’s Newsletter.[spacer height=”20px”]
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