Viewpoint is a tool for consulting with children and young people. Viewpoint is a software programme, which can be installed onto computers and provides children with the opportunity and means of expressing their views regarding issues about being looked after.
The concept of using such a method has developed from a belief that many young people enjoy computers often in contrast to working with adults or using printed materials. Viewpoint offers questions and answers to children and young people in an interactive way where an animated cartoon character can be chosen by the young person to act as their assistant. This assistant can talk to the user, using their own name and other familiar names, helping them through the process.
Newcastle Social Services Directorate has decided to adopt this method of consultation (currently on a trial basis) with looked after children particularly as a means of representing their views, feelings and wishes at looked after reviews. Currently a specific worker has been appointed to ensure that all looked after children (where appropriate) are given the opportunity to use Viewpoint prior to their looked after review. The worker makes arrangements to visit the child with a laptop computer and provides them with information and instruction on using the programme and will remain close to hand to support and assist the young person in his task. Most young people are given the option to complete the programme free from adult intervention. When young person has completed the questionnaire and provided whatever responses they wanted the worker will later provide a printout of these responses and copies provided to various people who include, the child, the social worker and the review officer. Various reports can be produced from the collective information and is used to evaluate Young People's views about being looked after and enable management to identify possible need and improvement of work practices.
Nicky Campbell
Phone: (0191) 277 2409
Email: nicky.campbell@newcastle.gov.uk
Christine Plant
Phone: (0191) 277 2404