Theme: Care Leavers
Minutes:
Rachel Harris, Service Improvement Manager, introduced the Digital Voice project and explained that the project has produced video profiles of children in care, using media and animation which enables the young people to speak honestly and openly about themselves and their experiences, whilst remaining anonymous. The Panel received four Digital Me videos profiling children in care and the final Digital Voice video provided a summary of key messages for social workers from the young people.
The videos were very well received and the Panel commented on the powerful and moving messages. The Service Improvement Manager stated that further projects are being considered, for example, with adopted children, those with mental health issues and young people who have experienced sexual exploitation. Consideration is also being given as to whether similar media profiles could be produced in-house with mapping work being undertaken with Investing in Children.
Members observed that several of the key messages in the Digital Me videos echoed the messages identified in the Children and Young People’s Overview and Scrutiny review into the role of the social worker from a child’s perspective, for example, the importance of stability, trust and honesty.