s acknowledged that some of the data they collect during their work with children, young people, and families may not appear relevant at the time, but it can be useful to somebody else in the wider LA, including senior managers and other practitioners. It is also useful to central government to support decisions regarding funding distribution and other broader decisions. The research shows that practitioners are not always aware of why certain information is collected or why there is duplication. However, both practitioners and data consumers advocate that regardless of how the data is collected, the way the child’s views and perspectives are recorded is paramount. Theme 5: Voices of children and young people The voices of children and young people emerged as a paramount concern for all involved in the recording of their records. Across the data, it was reiterated that the views and perspectives of children, young people and their families will continue to be muted within case records if jargon and complicated language is used without explanation. Across the four LAs, participants were concerned about how the child or young person would feel about what is recorded about them and questioned the child-friendliness of the forms and whether they provide a comprehensive overview of that child or young person. The Missing Chapters Project found that children and young people understand the need for professionals involved in their lives to share information about them, but they were concerned about who has access to this, including their teachers. Many felt their permission should be sought before their data is shared or that they should be informed about who is seeing this information. The Missing Chapters study also found that most young people think that records should be s