Young people in care in Lancashire recently met the Children's Commissioner for England to tell her about their experiences.



Part of the role of the commissioner, Anne Longfield, is to protect the rights of children who are in or leaving care, living away from home or receiving social care services.

The meeting at County Hall in Preston was attended by councils and children from across the North West, as part of a national focus to improve the experience of looked-after-children and ensure that their personal views and experiences help to shape decisions that are made about them.

County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: "This was a very important opportunity for us to be able to listen to the experiences of the children and young people who are actually in our care.

"This way we can make sure that what we are providing is right for the children and young people, and to find out what really matters to them.

"I really welcome this type of event and I was really pleased that this first meeting was held in Preston."

Everyone who attended is part of a Children in Care Council, whose role is to ensure that the needs, views and experiences of children in care and care leavers are considered when important decisions, that can profoundly affect their lives, are made.

Anne Longfield, Children’s Commissioner for England, said: "It is always hugely powerful and inspiring hearing children’s experiences and their views on how things can be improved.

"I believe children in Care Councils are an essential way for children and young people to influence, shape and improve the care experience."

The children's commissioner is meeting Children in Care Councils up and down the country as part of a commitment to ensure the voices of children in care are properly heard and influence decision makers locally, regionally and in Westminster.