NETWORKS
PARTICIPATION NETWORK
The Participation Leads Network (PLN) is formed of colleagues who works collaboratively as Councils and Children’s Trusts (CaTs) to improve outcomes for children and families in the West Midlands region. They aim to do so through the delivery of improvements in the quality of social work practice in order to work towards all CaTs as be “good” or “outstanding” and by improving the environment in which social work is practiced.
The network aims to develop and share ideas, strategies and resources which improve the experience of children and young people by championing the voice, choice and active involvement and leadership of young people receiving or having received social care services. Following ADCS direction the group has broadened it's focus to all children with lived experience of social care. This group is enhancing it's links with the West Midlands Teaching Partnership to ensure Children and Young People have the best opportunity to participate in the education and CPD training of social care colleagues in order to achieve better outcomes for young people with lived experience of social care.
The PLN network have developed a regional strategy which is due for final approval in the coming months. This seeks to set out the 5i's of participation. PLN are also seeking to form closer ties with the PSW Network and collaborate on the development and implementation of work such as Voice and Choice.