Information for practitioners
If your role affects children and young people directly or indirectly, you have a responsibility to ensure their views are listened to and acted upon. It is important to set clear boundaries and manage expectations from the outset. Honesty, mutual trust and respect are essential components for effective participation. Children are not a homogenous group and there is no single way to ascertain their views, therefore more than one approach may be needed in particular circumstances and a one size fits all approach is not appropriate. Consideration needs to be given to the purpose of the participation exercise and its relevance, the age, ability and needs of participants, the topic under consideration, the number of people involved, resources and the skills of the workers. Children and young people should be given feedback from their participation and be informed of what decisions they have influenced or not influenced. Effective participation takes time and planning but the benefits are worth it.
Examples of Participation
- Power of Participation leaflet and poster – over 300 people from various backgrounds and abilities were involved in designing a leaflet to explain the importance of participation. This leaflet is aimed at children and young people and outlines what they can expect when working with services within the Kent Children’s Trust, whilst the poster acts as a useful guide for practitioners to ensure they are meeting the participation standards identified by children and young people to ensure their needs for meaningful participation are met.
- Voices Grow Louder DVD – an animation film about children’s rights produced by the Kent Primary Schools Children’s Council. The children were involved from the beginning of this piece of work and the end product is used as a powerful way to inform practitioners about the importance of listening to children and young people
- My Money case study – Just over 50 year 11 students were involved in the design and content of a leaflet to explain more about money matters when leaving school at 16.
Useful research / evidence
- 2009 Kent Children and Young People’s Survey report
2009 Every Child Matters focus group report - 2009 Kent Children and Young People’s Discussion Groups with seldom heard children and young people report
- 2010 Needs Assessment Vulnerable Young People research
- Young Carers Strategy and DVD
Useful links
- Community of Practice - Participation with Children and Young People (Kent). This is an on-line network for practitioners to share best practice and avoid duplication.
- Guidance notes on how to input items on to the Community of Practice
- Kent Children's Fund Network (KCFN)