Children's Voice Checklist

This checklist is intended to provide professionals with prompts for consideration to assist them in gathering the views of children. Before gathering the views of a child, please coordinate with other professionals working with them to ensure the child is not asked to share their views more than once, wherever possible. Please consider:

1. Age and capacity of child - including any particular impact this had on approach
2. Location - where was the child met, including an explanation for the use of different locations and whether change in location altered demeanour of child
3. Dates – including a list dates when the child was met, noting any significant factors around those dates
4. Present – noting all participants who attended
5. Purpose - the type of meeting that the child’s views will be shared at
6. Tools - detail tools used with reference to toolkit - e.g. drawing, emoji sheet, child writing, photos.
   Children's Voice Toolkit
7. Expression of views – including how the child expressed their views (for example, but not limited to - direct speech/play/facial expression/body language/professional observation/interaction with caregiver/write/draw their own comments)
8. Recording of views – including how was this undertaken
9. Issues about which views obtained - including all topics that were discussed
10. Request for view on specific matter – including who any request was made by
11. Any challenges – including whether the child required reassurance/prompting
12. Understanding – including did the child understand what was being asked of them, how did you satisfy yourself if they could or could not understand?
13. Child’s own view – including were you satisfied the view was child’s own, if so how/if not what informed that decision? Has anyone else spoken to the child about their views and does this reflect your discussion with the child?
14. Any other professional observations to share – including any observations that provide additional information to those considering child’s views
15. How will the views be shared – including consideration of various examples in addition and/or as an alternative to a written report.
    Sharing the child's views