Children have the right to be heard in child protection proceedings. However, in social work, young people receiving protective services are often perceived as vulnerable and in need of protection, an attitude which prevents young people from participating in making important decisions that affect their lives. In this article, child participation in child welfare services (CWS) is explored through qualitative interviews with thirty-three young people aged fourteen to nineteen, receiving CWS in Nova Scotia, Canada. A thematic analysis of the findings highlighted four overarching themes—un/heard, un/informed, un/involved, and coping strategies—to describe youths’ experiences with service providers. The findings suggest that involving children in casework, including decisions regarding placement, has the potential to foster trust in care providers, improve cooperation and access to formal and informal supports, and enhance child well-being during and after receiving CWS.
