Participation

Jade's story is an example of what young people who are involved in participation do.

I am 16 years old and living in foster care. I have done loads of different things with other children in care and with reconstruct. These are just some of them :-

• I have met with the Director of children's services - we did a survey with lots of children and then had a question and answer session with her and asked about things like pocket money, reviews, having pets in children's homes.
  
• I have helped bring out the magazine which is for children in care and have written stories and poems for it as well taken photos. I love seeing my work in print.
  
• I have been trained to interview new staff and recently interviewed the new team manager.

Sometimes we just go out and have fun. Its good to be with other people who you know have been through similar things to you sometimes.   Since I did my training about interviews I have got my own part-time job. Before that I was really shy at interviews.

I have got loads to say about my time in care and want to help other young people coming after me. I think it is really important that what I have to say is listened to and taken seriously.

Sometimes I get certificates, pizza and occasionally money when I do things with reconstruct.   It has given me loads of confidence in other areas of my life.