YOUNGSTERS in care received the chance to air their views with Worcestershire councillors about issues surrounding their future.

Six young people and five county councillors went head-to-head during the Perdiswell Young Person's Leisure Club informal meeting to discuss real problems within the care system.

Inadequate 'after-care', disruptions in education and the daunting entry into care were among the issues brought up with members of the Children and Young People Advisory Panel.

Chairman of the panel, Ann Holmes, said the meeting was a challenge to councillors - Councillor Bob Peachey, Tom Wareing, Barbara Watton, Pauline Norton,and herself - and young people alike.

"Initially there was a very much 'you and us' attitude towards us, but it did begin to break down a little in the end," she said.

She praised the young people for raising points crucial to a successful life after care, putting in a performance rivalling their own.

"We were there primarily to listen but we all had a tendency to talk too much and used far too much 'council speak', she said.

"Some of us were defensive and talked too much about facilities available in our own areas.

"We sometimes lost sight of the fact they were representing children in care, not presenting individual cases.

Constructive

Mrs Holmes said the young people accused them of being different, not coming from the sort of areas they came from.

"Initially one or two were somewhat aggressive but, despite this, they were looking for a constructive outcome," she said.

"In my opinion they did better than the councillors on the whole."

Further visits are being planned as part of the local authority's role of 'Corporate Parent' - ensuring young people's needs are looked after.

The advisory panel's findings will now be considered by the Director of Social Services.