Involving Service Users in Children's Services

Abstract

This paper draws on existing research to advise on best practice in involving users. It starts by outlining how users can be involved, first, in relation to their own circumstances or the lives of others, and second at different stages of the service-delivery process. It then highlights common barriers to involving users and strategies for overcoming them. Special attention is paid to children, people with disabilities and those for whom English is not their first language. The paper then discusses other difficulties that threaten successful user involvement, and concludes by suggesting how different stakeholders’ views should be weighed. Useful resources for managers and practitioners are listed at the end.