Developing guidelines to support children´s participation in the matching of children and family foster homes in social services practice

Background and ContextAccording to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and Swedish legislation, children have the right to participate in decisions that affect them. However, research shows significant shortcomings in the work of social services to ensure children´s participation. This includes the process of matching children with foster families before they are placed in care.

Matching is a process whereby a specific foster home is selected to suit an individual child.

Based on two research projects on matching, the intention is to work together with professionals to develop guidelines for children´s participation in the matching process.

The premise is that children are experts on their own situation and life and have the right to be involved.AimThe aim of the project is to develop guidelines that promote children´s participation, working closely with social services staff.

This tool will be used in social work when matching children with foster homes during the placement process.MethodThe development of the guidelines will be informed by research on child participation and will involve participatory workshops with foster care professionals.

Close collaboration is essential to ensure that the guidelines are relevant to professionals and can be used effectively.

We also intend to set up a reference group so that users with experience of family foster care can provide feedback during the process.

A dissemination conference will be organised towards the end of the project to share the guidelines and raise awareness of the importance of participation.ResultsThe outcome of the project will be the development of guidelines that will help professionals to include important aspects of children´s right to participation.

It is expected that the project will benefit professional practice and ultimately the children placed in foster care. The outcome will also lead to an article. The understanding of both participation and the matching process will be deepened.