TEENAGERS have been playing their part in ensuring that their needs are met by social services.

The youngsters worked with council officers to produce user-friendly leaflets which explain how they are to be assessed.

They were asked to give their views on the wording and the general impact of the guides which give information on assessments for groups aged from 11 to 15 and for the over-16s.

Councillor Mike Connolly, social services spokesman, said that assessments must now be done within 42 days.

"We want to make sure that the system works effectively and that the procedures are clearly understood," he said. "Working with these young people has meant that we have been able to produce information leaflets that are very user-friendly for the age groups concerned. They are bright and lively but most importantly they are easy to follow and understand."

Copies of the leaflet will be given to any young person who is to undergo an assessment. A more detailed version, put together with the help of a volunteer parents group, will be sent to their families.

The information gathered will be used by representatives from social services, health, housing, education and voluntary agencies.

Anne Okwei, children-in-need reviewing officer, added: "It is important that we work together and this is very much a partnership approach. With a little help at the right time most families, and individuals, can sort our their own problems. The aim of the assessment procedure is to help that to happen."