Social workers, school pastoral staff, family support workers and counsellors looking for a printable voice of the child worksheet can use these pages to help a child or young person describe life as it is now and what they would like to happen next. The simple layout keeps the focus on the child’s own words, drawings and choices.
A clear picture of what needs to change can be built by comparing the child’s current situation with their preferred future. The pages use a “Now” and “Next” format, inviting children and teenagers to think about home, school, friends, family and feelings in a structured but open way.
The PDF includes a combined Now and Next sheet, separate enlarged Now and Next pages, and a bridge-style activity asking, “What could help you get from Now to Next?” The stepping-stone image gives space to record practical supports, people, actions, routines or changes that could help the young person move towards the life they want.
Practitioners may find it useful during direct work, child protection visits, looked after child reviews, early help meetings, counselling sessions or school wellbeing conversations. It can also support parents and carers who want a gentle way to talk with a child about worries, hopes and next steps without relying only on verbal discussion.
The design is especially suited to children and young people who prefer drawing, writing short notes or using visual prompts. It works as a voice of the child tool, wishes and feelings activity, future planning worksheet or child-centred assessment aid, helping adults record the child’s views in a clear and accessible format.
