This article is based on a pilot study undertaken as preparation for a main project focusing on the provision of family support services for children who have learning disabilities and their families in the context of current social policy and legislation. It begins with an outline of the contextual background to this research and proceeds to discuss methodological design, ethical considerations, the pilot exercise and its significant outcomes. Although there are many factors to examine in relation to this research approach, for the purpose of this paper the author will focus on the effectiveness of this pilot study and the pivotal role it played in relation to developing reliable methods for ascertaining the views of children.
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