Similar narratives from children in care have been identified in South Africa and Sweden, signalling that children in care need to be heard and respected for their capabilities to influence social change. Many significant decisions directly affecting their lives are made without their participation. This violates their rights and, in particular, the right to participate in matters that concern them. International treaties such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989) and regional and local policy and legislation in Sweden and South Africa stipulate that children should participate in decisions that affect their well-being. These policy directives are essential for social workers responsible for services to children in alternative care as they are obligated to adhere to them. However, there is uncertainty about how to understand the concept of child participation, how to utilise it in practice to ensure the best interest of the child principle, and what challenges that are connected to the implementation.This workshop invites attendees to take part of a presentation of our mutual work so far and to explore responses to questions about the participation of children in alternative care  . Attendees will discuss topics such as: What is child participation? What examples do you have of how children can participate in decision-making? What do you need or want to enable work on child participation? AND - How can participation be a part of social change?In order to create an inviting and engaging environment, the workshop will take place as a fika (https://www.nordicvisitor.com/blog/nordic-eats-the-swedish-art-of-fika/). Some people may think of "Fika" as similar to the World Café concept, and we aim to facilitate meaningful conversations with a more participatory approach. In our version, we may or may not rotate between tables depending on the number and interests of the attendees. Insights and findings will be summarised in a final reflection with all participants. Lecture hall 208, Dept of Social Work, Allhelgona kyrkogata 8, Lund