What does the literature say about the inclusion of children and young people in the multi-agency approach?

The multi-agency approach will be necessary in the lives of many children and young people, particularly in those who have educational, health and/or social needs. Whilst it is evident in policies and government documents that there is a requirement for children’s voices to be heard, to what extent they are used in the multi-agency approach is questionable. This scoping review identified and used thirteen articles dated from 2010 to 2022, with interests on the multi-agency approach. The aim was to review the literature around the inclusion of children and young people within the multi-agency approach. Exploring to what extent children and young people are involved and how practitioners gained their views. The main findings suggested relationships as a whole played a large factor in the success of the inclusion of children and young people in the multi-agency approach. Gaining positive consistent relationships, along with feeling listened to and gaining trust was the most commonly spoken about requirement from children and young people. Strategies such as creating safe spaces, virtual communication and the use of drawing were also highlighted. Implications in practice emphasised evidence of limited support for children and young people with their involvement. Suggestions such as the importance of training in particular when it came to communicating with children and young people and the use of specific strategies to support children in expressing their thoughts and opinions is required. Professional judgement was also highlighted as potentially impacting on how children’s views were perceived and used. This study concluded future research surrounding specific strategies to support children and young people in having a voice in the multi-agency approach would be beneficial for professionals. Whilst practice remains inconsistent, positive changes can be achieved with the right professional approach and training