The Nuffield Family Justice Observatory has published an evaluation of a pilot intervention designed to enhance the participation of young people in care proceedings in England and Wales. The Young People’s Participation Pathway (YPPP) pilot ran across two local family justice board areas, involving 24 young people aged 10– to 17-years-old. The young people met with judges to discuss decisions about their future. The evaluation report explores whether direct engagement improved young people’s experiences, understanding and acceptance of court decisions. Young people reported feeling heard; developing trust in judges and the court process; and gaining a better understanding of how decisions were made. The pilot also revealed mixed views among professionals and parents, and variations in practice suggesting resourcing issues. Recommendations include co-designing meeting tools with young people and practitioners.
Read the report: Young people meeting judges: What we learnt from a pilot with young people in care proceedings
Source: Nuffield Family Justice Observatory
Date published: 20 January 2026
