Using participatory methods to evaluate the impacts of an early intervention programme on children and young people (CYP)

The child’s voice is often excluded in child and family service programme evaluations, with research traditionally favouring the views of parents, carers and other adults. Evaluations that do not provide adequate opportunities for children and young people (CYP) to be involved potentially risk misunderstanding wider programme impacts and minimising CYP-specific outcomes. CareSouth has piloted an evaluation utilising body-mapping to collect programme feedback from CYP to provide valuable insights into perceived outcomes in areas of social connection, cognitive skills and development of positive personal identity. This article will share insights and lessons CareSouth encountered during the evaluation, the methods used to ensure ethical evaluation and the lessons for other child and family service practitioners looking to extend meaningful consultation with CYP to ensure greater understanding of holistic programme impacts.