The Victoria Climbié Foundation celebrated the successful launch of its Adjo Children & Young People’s Forum on Saturday 6th October 2007 with over 300 parents and children taking part in an educational event at the Dominion Centre, Southall.  Prior to the launch, the foundation held a workshop attended by over 15 young people aged between 11-18 primarily from Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow.  The forum, which is being RUN BY YOUNG PEOPLE, FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, is a confidential gathering within a safe, sensitive and engaging environment to discuss issues of vulnerability, parent relationships and support needs.

Mor Dioum, VCF Director, introduced the forum stating “through research and consultation, we will continue to highlight that the voices of our young people are NOT heard at the decision-making level for child protection policies and procedures.”

VCF Volunteer (Children & Young People), Zobair, who has been involved in the planning of these sessions and will help to coordinate the workshops added “…agencies are making decisions for us without hearing what we have to say.  The forum will make sure OUR voices are heard and we will be able to influence policies at a local or national level.”