Recognising the importance of centring the child’s voice in their records, Mind Of My Own has created a range of digital tools which enable children to share their views, wishes and feelings with people who are there to support them. Mind Of My Own develops co-produced, fully accessible digital products for capturing voice of children. These include the Mind Of My Own One App, which creates a safe digital space for young people aged 8 and over to communicate their views and needs to those they are working with, and Mind Of My Own Express, which focuses on ensuring children with additional needs have their voices heard.
They are driving change in child centred practice:
· by creating accessible user centred products that fit into children and young people’s lives.
· providing excellent customer service while always keeping the end user in mind
· facilitating a strong community of support where practitioners come together to share and learn in the quest to develop truly child centred communities.
In the UK their apps are used across over 450 education, social care, youth justice and health services. The apps give children and young people agency in shaping how their story is reflected, providing an authenticity and supporting life story work. One young person reflected that ‘Mind Of My Own has really helped me to be able to share my voice and to feel heard... I find it really useful especially in difficult times as I can access it at 8 in the morning or 3am and write down all my worries and I can then talk about this at my next meeting or with my worker.’
They also have the additional benefit of saving practitioner administration time- an estimated eight days per social worker per year- as it reduces the need for notes to be transcribed. An OFSTED report in Sunderland reflected that the tool was effective in terms of supporting return home interviews after children go missing, as well as involving younger children in care planning. In addition, Mind Of My Own have a number of other apps designed to boost engagement with young people and their families.