Youth Voice on Living in Special Care

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Youth Voice on Living in Special Care

Young people’s involvement in improving the experience of living in Ballydowd

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Ballydowd is a special care unit that provides stability in a secured therapeutic environment for young people between the ages of 12 and 17. The objective of the service is to provide young people with an individualised programme of support and therapeutic interventions, which will enable them to return to residential care. The care provided in Ballydowd assists the young person to develop internal controls, reduce risk-taking behaviour, enhance self-esteem and focus on their strengths. The care also provides the young person with the capacity for constructive choice, resilience and individual responsibility. Ballydowd focuses on achieving the above through building positive relationships with the young person, showing respect and compassion, being attentive to them, and providing recognition and praise for their efforts.

The self-contained campus at Ballydowd currently comprises an administration building, three residential units, a school, indoor recreational facilities and a green area. There are, on average, four or five young people staying in Ballydowd at any given time.

1. How the topics were identified

  • Staff in Ballydowd set up and facilitated three committees where the young people came together in a safe and supported space to have their voices heard on how to improve their experience at Ballydowd.
  • These committees came about as a result of staff attending Tusla Child and Youth Participation Training, and a desire on behalf of staff and management to increase the level of the young people’s participation in Ballydowd and give them greater influence.
  • The young people were asked if they wanted to participate in the committees and expressed an interest in doing so. All the young people in Ballydowd were invited, and could participate in all three committees if they wished.
  • The committees were on the topics of the Environment, Activities and Restrictive Practices and met regularly (in agreement with the young people).
  • Many different suggestions were put forward directly by the young people to the staff, not only in relation to improving their experience in Ballydowd but also in the context of easing the transition into Ballydowd (which, the young people identified, can be difficult).
  • Based directly on the views of young people, the process resulted in 30 restrictive practices being changed and new activities and initiatives being introduced.
  • Staff and management have pledged to commit to participation going forward. They will sustain existing processes and develop new ones to ensure they continue to engage with all young people in Ballydowd in order to bring about change.

2. The young people’s participation in the decision-making

  • The management and staff of Ballydowd were both the audience and the decision-makers.
  • The staff who facilitated the committee meetings brought the ideas and suggestions of the young people to the rest of the staff and management for serious consideration and discussion.
  • Ideas and suggestions that emerged during daily interactions with staff were also included and considered.
  • Staff opinions were sought and the staff and management made decisions as a team on what changes could happen in order to improve the experience for all young people in Ballydowd and to ease the transition for young people into Ballydowd.
  • The decisions made were communicated back to the young people verbally along with timelines for implementation when their suggestions had been approved, and explanations and rationales if their suggestions had not been approved.
  • Some decisions took longer than others to negotiate due to the complex nature and statutory footing of the service Ballydowd provides or if additional funding was required. The young people were kept updated on the progress of each suggestion.
  • Staff and management were available to discuss the proposed changes and their progress with the young people, either individually or collectively, outside the meetings if they wished.

3. How the views of young people were sought, and how they affected the decisions

Spacepencil

  • Staff facilitated the three committees where the young people came together in a safe and supported space to have their voices heard and to suggest changes that would improve the experience of all young people in Ballydowd.
  • Each committee was facilitated by staff who had good relationships with the young people, but their work was supported by all staff and management.
  • The committee meetings were held in a communal room chosen by the young people and recently renovated by them; a place they have ownership of and feel comfortable in.
  • The tone of the committee meetings was always informal, with snacks, comfortable seating and flexible start and end times.
  • All committee meetings were open to all young people at all times.
  • This safe and supported space meant the young people were involved in giving their suggestions from the start.

Voice

  • Young people were encouraged to identify the issues they wanted to discuss to improve the experience for all young people.
  • They could identify issues through the committee meetings: they were asked questions and allowed to make suggestions that could make a difference to their experience of living in Ballydowd.
  • During group sessions they were encouraged to put forward any idea or suggestion that could be teased out and discussed.
  • The young people could also, if they wished, identify areas for change through their daily interactions with staff and management.
  • Most young people preferred to put forward their ideas during discussions at the committee meetings. Those who didn’t want to contribute to the group discussions could write down, draw or record their ideas. Creative ways of expression are encouraged at Ballydowd. For example, one young person liked to draw on the walls, so we painted a wall in their bedroom with blackboard paint and encouraged them to
    express their ideas that way.
  • Some young people acted as a representative for the rest of the group if they didn’t want to attend a meeting. The young person would consult with the others before the meeting, voice their opinions during it and give them feedback afterwards. This process was facilitated by staff.
  • With the arrival of new young people in Ballydowd, more consultations were held,as we believe in the principle of participation as an ongoing process.

Audiencepencil

  • The right decision-makers were involved: the management and staff in Ballydowd.
  • Changes to the living arrangements in Ballydowd that the young people suggested were brought to management and staff for consideration. The young people were informed of this and given a timeframe for a response.
  • Their views were taken seriously as a commitment to the process had been secured from staff and management before the consultations began.
  • In addition, management sometimes attended the committee meetings to hear directly from the young people and there is an ‘open door’ policy in Ballydowd so young people can talk to management directly if they so wish.
  • The ideas were discussed at staff meetings and staff opinions were sought. Staff and management agreed to make the requested changes if they were possible.
  • Some suggestions were totally novel for Ballydowd and understandably there was a little apprehension in relation to these changes. However, staff and management agreed that ongoing individualised risk assessments would allow the majority of changes to be implemented while also keeping young people and staff safe.

Influence

  • The collaborative process resulted in approximately 30 restrictive practices being changed and new activities and initiatives being introduced based directly on the views of young people. These included:
    » the unlocking of internal doors within units;
    » reduction of nightly checks;
    » holding own pocket money;
    » greater number of outings;
    » unlocking the kitchen during the day;
    » replacing plastic utensils with ‘real’ ones;
    » allowing greater access to Wi-Fi and television;
    » being involved in menu planning;
    » introducing new facilities such as a gym, pool table and outdoor furniture;
    » building a new playground designed by the young people.
  • Following consultations with new arrivals to Ballydowd, additional changes implemented by management and staff included:
    » leaving bedroom doors unlocked at night (if young people want this, some do not);
    » removing the Perspex screen from in front of the television;
    » introducing individualised bedtimes;
    » having internal locks on bedroom doors to give young people privacy (these can
    be over-ridden in case of an emergency).
  • Many of the young people’s suggestions on how to make the transition into Ballydowd easier were also supported, approved and implemented. These included:
    » The creation of an admissions video by young people, to be viewed on arrival instead of booklets, and a new and more welcoming admissions suite in which to view the video.
    » One young person explained:
    “I was in a room for a few days, 101 different people coming into me telling me the same rules over and over and showing me a book. I couldn’t take it in. I thought watch a ten-minute video and that would be it. The video will be way better.”
    » A new admission pack with a welcome letter, food and toiletries put together by the young people.
    “Little things like munchies, water bottle, toothbrush holder, shower mat, dressing gown. Hot water bottles, teddies, think of all the age groups, not just the older kids.”
    » A readymade pre-admission bedroom, which the young person can individualise with their assigned budget when they feel ready.

5. Subsequent developments

  • To date, the feedback about the changes has been positive from all young people, both those directly involved in the engagement and those who were not.

“More freedom in the place than there was before. We are allowed hold pocket money ourselves now.”
“We weren’t allowed make our own food before going to bed. Now the doors are left open and we can go into the kitchen. We were not allowed glasses, cutlery. We had to have plastic cups, knives and forks, plates. Now we have real cups.”
“We can lock our door from the inside. We only got the locks since Christmas. We are more independent. Staff have a key to over-ride the lock but they would only use it in case of emergency.”
“Staff are always asking our opinions. They listen to us.”

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An EU  Agenda for the Rights of the Child

The EU Agenda for the rights of the child aims to reinforce the full commitment of the EU, as enshrined in the Treaty of Lisbon and Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, to promote, protect and fulfil the rights of the child in all relevant EU policies.

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Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union

The Charter brings together in a single document the fundamental rights protected in the EU. The Charter contains rights and freedoms under six titles: Dignity, Freedoms, Equality, Solidarity, Citizens’ Rights, and Justice.

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Building a Europe for and with children: childrens participation

Webpage of activities of Council of Europe on children’s participation

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Child participation assessment tool

The Council of Europe Child Participation Assessment Tool is designed to provide specific and measurable indicators with which States can begin to measure progress in implementing Recommendation CM/Rec (2012) 2 of the Committee of Ministers.

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Guidelines of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on child friendly justice

The guidelines on child-friendly justice and their explanatory memorandum were adopted by the Council of Europe in 2010.

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Child Friendly Justice: the Views and Experiences of Children in the Council of Europe

Consultation with children and young people towards the Council of Europe Guidelines on Child-friendly justice.

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Recommendation Rec(2004)13 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the participation of young people in local and regional life

Recommendation adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 17 November 2004. It was adopted to promote and support the implementation of the revised European Charter on Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life.

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Recommendation Rec(2006)1 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the role of national youth councils in youth policy development

Recommendation adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 11 January 2006 calls on member state governments to recognise and support the work of youth councils in contributing to the development of public youth policy.

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Keepin’ it real: a resource for involving young people in decision-making

Youth participation is a central feature of successful youth programming and effective policy-making. It is an important part of the development of citizenship and youth development.

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Empowering children and young people: promoting involvement in decision-making

This text aims to help professionals empower children so that they can contribute to the decisions which affect them as individuals and as a group; at unit, local and national levels.

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The right of children to be heard: children’s right to have their views taken into account and to participate in legal and administrative proceedings

The paper addresses the right of children to be heard in any judicial or administrative proceeding affecting them. It introduces the subject based on examples from the laws and practices of 52 countries around the world, shedding further light on a topic.

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Promoting children participation in democratic decision-making

Since the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) ‘child participation’ has been the subject of an increasing flood of initiatives, ranging from research and publications to conferences and concrete projects.

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Recommendation CM/Rec(2012)2 of the Committee of Ministers on participation of children and young people under the age of 18

The Recommendation is aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of binding European and international instruments protecting children’s rights.

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A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028

First 5 is a whole-of-Government strategy to improve the lives of babies, young children and their families.

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A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028 (Summary)

Summary of the First 5 whole-of-Government strategy to improve the lives of babies, young children and their families.

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LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy – Report of the consultations with YOUNG PEOPLE in Ireland

This Report represents a big step forward towards delivering the world’s first Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Intersex+ (LGBTI+) National Youth Strategy.

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Better Outcomes Brighter Futures Indicator Set

This report presents the set of indicators for children and young people developed for and aligned with Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures.

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Resolution CM/Res(2008)23 on the youth policy of the Council of Europe

Regional policy

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European Convention on the Excerise of Childrens Rights

This Convention aims to promote children’s rights and protect their best interests. It provides procedural measures to allow children to exercise their rights, including the obligation to provide them with relevant information.

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European Social Charter

The European Social Charter is a Council of Europe Treaty which guarantees social and economic human rights. It was adopted in 1961 and revised in 1996.

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Volunteer Group Leaders Guide to National Quality Standards for Volunteer-led Youth Groups

The overall aim of the standards is to help improve the quality of the programmes and activities for young people and the way in which they are provided.

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The Childs Right to be Heard in the Healthcare Setting: Perspectives of children, parents and health professionals

This study presents the experiences of children, parents and health professionals on listening to children in the healthcare setting.

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Giving Children a Voice: Investigation of Childrens Experiences of participation in consultation and decision-making in Irish hospitals

The focus of this research was to investigate sick children’s experiences of participation in consultation

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Young Voices – Guidelines on How to Involve Children and Young People in Your Work

Resources / Case Studies / Youth Voice on Living in Special Care Young Voices - Guidelines on How to Involve Children and Young People in Your Work Recorded: July 2016 Contributors Author: National Children's Office, Children's Rights Alliance and National Youth Council of Ireland Publisher: Department of Children and Youth Affairs Date: 2005 Geographic Coverage: [...]
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Report on the National Consultation with Young Children

The purpose of the consultation process is to inform the development of a whole-of Government strategy for babies, young children and their families.

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The Perspectives of Practitioners and Service Users on Children and Young Peoples Participation in Decision-Making within Tusla, prior to the implementation of the Programme for Prevention, Partnership and Family Support: A Baseline Assessment KEY FINDINGS

This study assess the extent to which the participation of children and young people was embedded in Tusla’s culture and operations.

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Report on a Consultation with Children and Young People on Education for Sustainable Development

This report presents findings from what children learn in School to make the world a fairer and better place for everyone.

report of consultations with children in after school care

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Report of Consultations With Children on After-school Care

There has been an increasing focus on developing policy in the area of after-school care in Ireland in the past two years.This report provides an overview of the process and findings from these consultations with children.

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Life skills matter – Not just points: A survey of implementation of Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in second-level schools

This study investigates the implementation of Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in secondary schools in Ireland.

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Children First – National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children

These guidelines are intended to assist with the identification, notification, investigation, and management of child abuse cases.

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So, How Was School Today? Report of a Survey on How Young People are Taught and How They Learn

Comhairle na nÓg National Executive developed this survey in response to Comhairle members, who identified their top issue as the need for young people to have a stronger say on what happens in the classroom.

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Consultation Document for a Recreation Policy for Young People in Ireland

Public consultation to inform the development of a National Recreation Policy for Children and Young People

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National Youth Justice Strategy, 2008 -2010

This strategy develops existing structures, policies and programmes for young people who are in trouble with the law.

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Second Level Student Councils in Ireland: A Study of Enablers, Barriers and Supports

This report presents the findings of a study carried out by the Children’s Research Centre on behalf of the Working Group on Student Councils in Second Level Schools, established by the National Children’s Office.

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Young People on Remand

The aim of this study is to examine the services and supports required by young people to promote greater compliance with the conditions of bail and reduce the use of detention on remand.

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Our Children – Their Lives: National Childrens Strategy, 2000-2010

The Strategy set out a series of objectives to guide children’s policy over a ten year period in Ireland, from 2000-2010.

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READY, STEADY, PLAY! A National Play Policy

The Government, under the National Children’s Strategy, launched in November 2000, included a commitment to develop National Play and Recreation Policies. The Play Policy addresses the needs of younger children.

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Student Council Resource Pack and Diary Print Friendly Version

This Resource Pack and Diary are an invaluable resource to students, teachers and school management in establishing and running student councils in second-level schools.

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Tusla Child and Youth Participation Strategy 2019 to 2023

The Child and Youth Participation Strategy is our first participation strategy, spanning the period 2019-2023.

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‘Speak Up’

This study uses the Lundy Model of Participation to understand what is required if children and young people are to meaningfully participate in decisions made about their lives.

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A Formative Evaluation of Tusla/EPIC fora

This study focuses on collective participation, which is defined as ‘the goal of improving services for everyone in the same situation’.

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Children’s Participation Work Package

This programme seeks to embed prevention and early intervention into the culture and operation of Tusla.

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Barriers to the Realisation of Childrens Rights in Ireland

This research was commissioned in 2006 by the Ombudsman for Children as a baseline research study concerning children’s rights in Ireland.

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If theyre getting loaded, why cant I? A large-scale exploratory survey examining the behaviour and attitudes of young people in Ireland towards teen and parental alcohol use, and the effects of parental alcohol use on young peoples lives.

This National Children’s Consultation represents a rare and diverse attempt to study a large population of young people’s alcohol use, their attitudes to alcohol, and their individual experience of their parent/guardians alcohol use within an Irish context

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Children and young peoples experiences of participation in decision making at home, in school and in their communities.

The aim of this study is to explore the extent to which children and young people aged 7-17 and living in contemporary and rural Ireland, are able to participate and influence matters affecting their home, school and community.

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Dealing with Bullying in Schools: A Consultation with Children and Young People by the Ombudsman for Children Office

This report highlights the views and ideas of ten groups of children and young people consulted by the OCO between September and December 2011 about schools’ handling of bullying.  

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All I have to say – Separated children in their own words

This publication was produced by the separated children project run by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office.

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Dublin: Your City/Our City. A guide compiled by separated children

This publication was produced by the separated children project run by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office. The project involved the participation of 35 separated children living in the Dublin area.

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The Story of the Ombudsman for Childrens Youth Advisory Panel: How we set up and work with YAP and what weve learned.

Resource booklet on how to set up a YAP in order to hear and learn from the views of children and young people.

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Young People’s Views about Opportunities, Barriers and Supports to Recreation and Leisure

This study was commissioned in the context of policy development in the field of young people’s recreation and leisure.

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Blueprint for the development of Children and Young Peoples Services Committees Draft for Feedback

This Report provides a blueprint for the development of CYPSC operationally and strategically within the broader context of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014 – 2020.

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Children’s Research Digest: Children Should be Seen AND Heard

This article explores children’s rule-following behaviour, as part of an ongoing study underway in the Contextual Behavioural Science lab at UCD.

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Guidance for Children and Young People’s Services Committees (CYPSC) on Participation by Children and Young People in Decision Making

This document’s purpose is to guide CYPSC to provide a series of practical steps in engaging children and young people in decision-making.

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Barnardos Glór na nÓg Monitoring and Evaluation Report Key Findings

The report provides details of the monitoring and evaluation of the Barnardos Glór na nÓg project.

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Creating Benefit for All – Young People, Engagement and Public Policy

Young people’s participation in the economic, political and cultural life of all Australians is fundamental both now and in the future.

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The Right of Children to Participate in Public Decision-Making Processes

The right of children to participate in decision‑making in all matters that affect their lives is a well‑established legal principle and international research.

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Student Councils: A Voice for Students

The Education Act, 1998 provides for the establishment of student councils, intending them to play an integral and important role in the school community.

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Student Councils That Work: Reviewing and Improving Student Voice in NI Schools

The aim of the article is to champion and celebrate School Councils in Northern Ireland and identify ways to support and enhance their work.

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Dilemmas and Contradictions in Hearing Children in Care Proceedings

The article is based on interviews with 22 children’s spokespersons in the Norwegian arrangement for indirect participation in care proceedings.

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‘Ask Us … This Is Our Country’: Designing Laws and Policies with Aboriginal Children and Young People

Aboriginal children and young people have much to say about governance, law and policy, particularly about matters that are likely to affect their lives.

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Engaging Young People as Partners for Change: The Community Project

This article sheds some much-needed light on how participation rights can be made “real” at a local level.

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Life Under Coronavirus: Children’s Views on their Experiences of their Human Rights

This article describes the process and findings of the ground-breaking CovidUnder19 survey which was co-designed with children, for children.

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Children’s Capacities and Role in Matters of Great Significance for Them

An Analysis of the Norwegian County Boards’ Decision-making in Cases about Adoption from Care

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Participatory Planning Pedagogy – A Children’s Right to the City Initiative

The program and its underlying Participatory Planning Pedagogy (PPP) and curriculum follow a student-led and rights-based approach that builds upon global Child Friendly Cities scholarship.

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On Barriers to Accessing Children’s Voices in School Based Research

There are significant challenges for researchers in accessing children’s voices about matters that pertain to them in school settings.

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Youth Courts and Childrens Rights: The Irish Experience

This article highlights the problems faced by the Court and explains why, in addition to the reforms above, it is vital that the Court be overhauled both to address its effectiveness as the central agency in the youth justice system.

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The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: A Study of Legal Implementation in 12 Countries.

A study on the legal and non-legal measures of implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 12 countries other than the UK.

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Law Reform Commission, Children and the Law: Medical Treatment (LRC 103-2011).

This Report forms part of the Commissions Third Programme of Law Reform and follows the publication in 2009 of a Consultation Paper on Children and the Law: Medical Treatment.

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Stereotyping of Young People – Resource Pack

This research highlighted a widespread stereotyping of young people in a range of arenas. The research concluded that the young people interviewed saw their institutional relationships with adults as for the most part unequal, troubled and rooted in stereotypical ideas about their attributes and abilities.

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Learning from their Lessons: A study of young people in residential care and their experiences of education.

A study of young people in residential care and their experiences of education 

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United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child. Irelands Second Report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child: On the Implementation of the Convention as required under Article 44 of the Convention.

Ireland’s second periodic report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child as per the requirements under Article 44 of the Convention.

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Listening for Childrens Stories: Children as Partners in the Framework for Early Learning.

The NCCA designed a portraiture study to develop portraits of children’s experiences of early learning and development in a range of settings in Ireland.

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Hearing Young Voices: Consulting Children and Young People, including those experiencing Poverty or other forms of Social Exclusion, in relation to Public Policy Development in Ireland.

The aim of the research is the identification and evaluation of models of good practice for consulting children and young people experiencing poverty or other forms of social exclusion in relation to public policy developments affecting them.

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Developing the Arts in Ireland: Arts Council Strategic Overview 2011-2013

The Arts Council’s strategic approach has a dual focus on supporting artists and arts organisations and on seeking to increase public engagement and participation in the arts.

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Guidelines for taking and using the images of children and young people in the arts sector.

These guidelines have been compiled by the Arts Council in collaboration with the arts sector and the Health Service Executive (Information and Advice Persons).

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The Participation of Young People in the Arts in Ireland: A Proposed Policy and Action Plan for the Period of the Third Arts Plan

A proposed policy and action plan for the period of the third arts plan. 

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Planning and Development (Amendment) Act, 2010, para 8.

An act to amend and extend the planning and development act 2000, to amend the transport (railway infrastructure) act 2001, and to provide for related matters.

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Education Act 1998

An act to make provision in the interests of the common good for the education of every person in the state.

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Engaging Children in Planning, Design, Development, Delivery and Evaluation of Services

This paper proposes how to give effect to the 2004 OMC “Young Voices: Guidelines on how to Involve Children and Young People in Your Work” recommendations.

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An Examination of Concepts of School Readiness among Parents and Educators in Ireland for the Irish Research Council and An Evaluation of Educational Provision for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Republic of Ireland for the National Council

An investigation behind the concepts, motivations and perceptions of parents and educators in relation to school readiness and school starting age.

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#ScotYouthandCOVID2 – Children and Young People’s Participation Through Crisis

The findings detailed here explore the experiences and ideas for change from children and young people precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Making Rights Real for Children: A Children’s Rights Audit of Irish Law

This report details the current legal protection that exists for children in Ireland as well as the gaps that remain in the recognition of their rights.

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Children’s Participation – The Perspectives of Educational Welfare Officers on Children and Young People’s Participation in Decision-Making, prior to the Implementation of the Programme for Prevention, Partnership and Family Support

Key findings and recommendations from a study on children and young people’s participation in planning meetings concerning their school attendance.

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Children’s Participation in Decision-making: Balancing Protection with Shared Decision-making Using a Situational Perspective

This article argues for a situational perspective of children’s participation to act in the child’s best interest.

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Children’s Participation in Decision Making From Child Welfare Workers’ Perspectives: A Systematic Review

This article explores child welfare workers’ experiences of children’s participation in decision-making in the child protection system

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Children’s Perspective on Their Right to Participate in Decision-making According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 12

The aim of this study was to describe and capture the meaning of children’s perspective on their right to participate in decision-making.

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Everyday Youth Participation? Contrasting Views from Australian Policymakers and Young People

There is a new awareness by policymakers of the effectiveness of integrating young people’s everyday perspectives into participation

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Having a voice — having a choice: National standards for children and young people’s participation

This leaflet outlines a set of agreed standards for the participation of children and young people participating in decision-making processes in Wales.

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Results Based Management and Children’s Participation: A Guide to Incorporating Child Participation Results into CIDA Programs

Guide developed to help CIDA staff and development partners to incorporate child participation results into CIDA programmes.

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The Global Study Independent Human Rights Institutions for Children 2010-2011

Global Study analysing the role of independent human rights institutions.

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The role and mandate of children’s ombudspersons in Europe: Safeguarding and promoting children’s rights and ensuring children’s views are taken seriously

Given the current trends of reducing the functions and mandates of Ombudspersons for Children institutions across Europe, ENOC carried out in 2010 a survey on the role and scope of competences of ENOC member institutions. 

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Statement on Communication with Children

Statement by the European Network of Ombudpersons for Children urging States in Europe to implement Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

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Integration and participation of young people at local and regional level Resolution 259 (2008)

Webpage containing links to resolutions by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe

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Children as economic and social actors in the development process, Working Papers of the Expert Group on Development Issues 1

This paper aims to explore present thinking and experience on childhood and children and in light of these insights identify the most constructive future directions for policy.

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The gap between rhetoric and reality: critical perspectives on children’s participation

This issue explores perspectives on participation from experiences in Africa and seeks to elucidate key insights and lessons and raise further questions for debate.

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Children as Social Actors

This special issue results from an international research symposium, held in 2006 to discuss papers addressing the theme of Children and Young People as Social Actors.

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Why dont we? Youth Participation Resource pack

“Why Don’t We?” is designed to be used in an informal environment by both young people and youth work practitioners. Many of the activities and reflective exercises are action based and require participation by all members of the group (both adults and young people).

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Children in alternative care: national surveys

Survey carried out by Eurochild on children in alternative care 2nd edition.

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Primary Voices – Equality, Diversity and Childhood in Irish Primary Schools

This publication examines key social justice issues related to the inclusion and recognition of difference in the primary school.

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The rights of children living in residential institutions’ Recommendation Rec(2005)5 (Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 16 March 2005

The rights of children living in residential institutions’ Recommendation Rec(2005)5 (Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 16 March 2005

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Children’s Participation in Family Law Proceedings Research

A research project to explore how children’s rights are respected in law across the different countries who are members of the ChildWatch International Research Group

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Childrens participation from tokenism to citizenship

A nation is democratic to the extent that its citizens are involved, particularly at the community level. The confidence and competence to be involved must be gradually acquired through practice.

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Children’s participation in family and social life’ Recommendation No. R (98) 8  (Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 18 September 1998 at the 641st meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies)

Reigional Policy

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Measures to protect children against harmful content and behaviour and to promote their active participation in the new information and communications environment’ Recommendation CM/Rec(2009)5 (Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 8 July 2009

Website of the AYF

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Voice is not enough: conceptualising article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

This article provides a children’s rights critique of the concept of ‘pupil voice’. The analysis is founded on Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which gives children the right to have their views given due weight.

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Special Edition of The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science on the Child as a Citizen

This volume of the ANNALS considers conceptual, legal, and practical issues related to the realization of children as citizens. Using the CRC as a starting point on the path of achieving functional citizenship for children, the distinguished contributors.

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Promoting the participation of children in decisions that affect them, Recommendation 1864

Recommendation by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to Member States, encouraging them to promote participation by children in decisions affecting them.

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The role of independent human rights institutions, General Comment No. 2

General Comment published by the Committee on the Rights of the Child to encourage States parties to establish an independent human rights institution for the promotion and monitoring of implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

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General Measures of Implementation, General Comment No. 5

This General Comment outlines the general measures States parties must take to secure the full and effective implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

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Implementing Rights in Early Childhood, General Comment No. 7

This General Comment focuses on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in the context of early childhood.

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Children and International Human Rights Law: The Right of the Child to be Heard

The book explores the historical and theoretical background to Article Twelve of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and examines the various models of participation which have been created to facilitate a better understanding of this provision.

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A Handbook of Children and Young People’s Participation: Perspectives from Theory and Practice

A Handbook of Children and Young People’s Participation brings together key thinkers and practitioners from diverse contexts across the globe to provide an authoritative overview of contemporary theory and practice around children’s participation. 

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Children as citizens? International voices: Childwatch International Citizen Study Group

This book, published by Otago University Press, is an account of a Childwatch International collaborative international study about the meaning of citizenship to children – how they view their status and membership in society through notions of identity,

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Children’s Rights Behind Bars, Human Rights of Children deprived of Liberty: Improving Monitoring Mechanisms National Report: Ireland

The goal of the project is to increase the respect of human rights of children deprived of liberty.

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Picking Up the Pieces: The Rights and Needs of Families Affected by Imprisonment

In this report, IPRT highlights the rights and needs of children and families affected by imprisonment in Ireland.

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Meeting Together – Deciding Together: Kids Participating in Case Planning Decisions that Affect Their Lives

In 2002, a group of people got together to better understand and find ways that kids could be more involved in making decisions that affect them.

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Participation: Count me in!

This guide looks at a range of issues and practicalities that should be considered when undertaking a research project with children

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Participation: Checking the scoreboard. Coach’s handbook.

This handbook will help groups reflect and take stock of how effectively kids are being included in their work, activities and decision-making processes.

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Children and Clinical Research: Ethical Issues

Explores the challenges faced by researchers to undertake ethical research with children.

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Physical Places And Social Spaces For Young Children In Hospital

This report explore young children’s perspectives and use of physical and social spaces of the hospital environment.

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An examination of children and young people’s views on the impact of their participation in decision-making

This study explores the experiences of children and young people who have participated in participation initiatives held by the DCYA.

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It’s about me: Young people’s experiences of participating in their Care Reviews

The main aim of this research is to explore young people’s experiences of participating in their care reviews.

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Submission to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child on the General Comment on the Rights of Adolescents

Submission to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child on the General Comment on the Rights of Adolescents.

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Hear by right: Setting standards for active involvement of young people in democracy

Hear by right: Setting standards for active involvement of young people in democracy.

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Meaningful consent to participate in social research on the part of people under the age of eighteen

This article describes changes in conventions among social scientists undertaking research with children and young people over the last decade

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Children’s Understandings of Wellbeing

This research aims to contribute to the development of National Child Well-being Indicators, a key action under the National Children’s Strategy.

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A children’s right-based approach to involving children in decision-making

Children’s issues have become a greater priority on political agendas since the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

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General Comment No. 14: (2013) on the right of the child to have his or her best interests taken as a primary consideration

Children’s issues have become a greater priority on political agendas since the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

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The ethics of participatory research with children

This paper argues that ethical problems in research involving direct contact with children can be overcome by using a participatory approach.

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Consent – What you have a right to expect, a guide for children and young people

Guide for children and young people on giving consent.

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Children’s Rights and Research Processes: Assisting Children to Informed Views

The article reflects on a body of work with children as co-researchers and as participants.

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Children and Justice: Professionals’ Perspectives and Experiences

Video documenting the views and experiences of professionals working with and on behalf of children in the justice system.

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Children and Justice: Your Right to be Heard

Short clip for children on their right to be heard in the context of judicial proceedings.

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Podcast with Veronica Yates of the Children’s Rights Information Network

Veronica Yates talks to Children’s Rights Policy Officer about the new Third Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

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Lessons from Juvenile Clients

This podcast discusses three critiques of legal representation brought forth by young people who are in the child-welfare system.

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Interviewing the Child Client: Approaches and Techniques for a Successful Interview

This training video provides practical guidance and demonstrations of techniques that can help lawyers work effectively with their child clients.

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General Comment No. 17 (2013) on the right of the child to rest, leisure and play

This general comment seeks to highlight the importance of rest, leisure and play for chidren’s well-being and development.

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General Comment No.16 (2013) on State obligations regarding the impact of the business sector on childrens rights

This General Comment considers the relationship between State obligations regarding children’s rights and the business sector.

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Towards 2016 – Ten-Year Framework Social Partnership Agreement, 2006-2015.

Towards 2016 develops a new framework to address key social challenges, which individuals in Ireland face at each stage of life, including a dedicated section on the needs of children.

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Ten Years On: Did the National Childrens Strategy deliver on its promises?

This review, undertaken by the Children’s Rights Alliance, in collaboration with our members, looks back at the ten years of the Strategy and assesses whether it has delivered on its objectives

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Developing Childrens Participation: Lessons from a Participatory IT Project

This article describes and analyses the process used by Barnardos in developing and implementing a participatory approach in a children’s IT project in Galway City, Ireland.

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Adolescent Friendly Quality Assessment Tools [AFQuATs]

The Adolescent Friendly Quality Assessment Tools [AFQuATs] are designed to provide a method for health service providers and planners to assess the quality of services for young people in relation to adolescent friendly quality standards.

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National Strategy for Service User Involvement in the Irish Health Service 2008-2013

This strategy will build on the existing work undertaken and documented on service user involvement in health. This strategy has been developed to ensure a systematic and consistent approach to service user involvement across the health and social services.

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Learning to listen: core principles for the involvement of children and young people

The government wants children and young people to have more opportunities to get involved in the design, provision and evaluation of policies and services that affect them or which they use. Actively involving children will produce better services.

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Supporting Interculturalism in Youth Work, Practical Guidelines for doing Intercultural Youth Work

This document responds to Frequently Asked Questions that NYCI receives on the inclusion of cultural and minority ethnic young people and leaders in youth work.

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I have rights, you have rights, he/she has rights … An introduction to childrens rights

A list of children’s rights governments must take to help children exercise set out in the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

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Hear by right — standards framework for the participation of children and young people

This is a guide developed by the UK National Youth Agency to enable organisations working with children and young people to develop best practice on the safe, sound and sustainable participation of children and young people in the services and activities

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Charter on education for democratic citizenship and human rights education Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)7 (Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 11 May 2010 at the 120th Session)

This recommendation makes reference to Member states fostering the role of non-governmental organisations and youth organisations in education for democratic citizenship and human rights education, to include the UNCRC, especially in non-formal education.

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Inclusive Education: “How Youth Can Make a Difference” and “How Children Can Make a Difference” DCIs International Campaign for Inclusive Education

Youth-friendly resources from DCI’s International Campaign for Inclusive Education.

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Understanding and evaluating childrens participation: A review of contemporary literature

This document is the product of a literature review, fieldwork in India, Kenya and Ecuador and discussion with various practitioners and academics working on children’s participation.

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Evaluating childrens participation: seeking areas of consensus

This article reviews some of the areas of consensus and debate during the symposium in Oslo on “Children’s Participation in Community Settings” and evaluates the complex question: how can participation be evaluated in ways that will encourage best practices.

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Ethical Approaches to Gathering Information from Children and Adolescents in International Settings: Guidelines and Resources

To improve the lives of children and adolescents it is necessary to find out about their circumstances, their needs, and the services they require to meet their needs.

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Researching Childrens Experience: Approaches and Methods

Researching Children’s Experience provides examples of how researchers from a variety of social science perspectives have set about carrying out research into children’s experience.

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Building Capacity for Ethical Research with Children and Young People

The Board of the Childwatch International Research Network approved the establishment of a new Thematic Study Group to undertake an international scoping project entitled Building Capacity for Ethical Research with Children and Young People.

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Valuing childrens potential: How childrens participation contributes to fighting poverty and social exclusion

The case studies presented in this book describe pioneering examples of where children are given a voice. This book is part of Eurochild’s contribution to the 2010 European Year

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The social reintegration of children living and/or working on the streets Resolution 271 (2008); The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Council of Europe The social reintegration of children living and/or working on the streets Recommendation

Regional policy detailing strategic approaches at all governance levels on the eradication of children living on the streets and the promotion of their rights.

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Integration of young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods Resolution 319

The transition of young people to adult life can be a very unequal process: while some benefit from new opportunities, others experience vulnerability and exclusion.

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Indigenous children and CRC General Comment No. 11

This General Comment pertains to the rights of indigenous children under the Convention, which specifically deals with Article 12 rights under paragraphs 37-39 of the General Comment.

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Report of consultations with young people concerning harmful internet communications including cyber bullying in the Law Reform Commission Report Harmful Communications and Digital Safety

The Report of the consultation with young people concerning on harmful internet communications including cyberbullying

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Have your say! Manual on the Revised European Charter on the Participation of young people in local and regional life

This charter is an instrument that young people can use to encourage local authorities to implement policies concerning them, as well as a tool for co-operation between young people, youth organisations, and local and regional authorities.

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Campasito – manual on human rights education for children

The affirmation of the right of children to participate is one of the guiding principles and most progressive innovations of the Convention on the Rights of the Child

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Compass – a manual on human rights education with young people

The programme was created because human rights education (HRE) – meaning educational programmes and activities that focus on promoting equality in human dignity – was, and remains, of incalculable value in shaping a dimension of democratic citizenship for all young people and in promoting a culture of universal human rights.

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The Rights of Young People in Conflict with the Law

A youth-friendly list of internationally recognised rights applicable to young people worldwide.

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Youth at the Table: What skills do I need to be great at governance?

The resource booklet contains a series of help and advice around important skills that you may need to be involved in governance and decisionmaking.

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Advocacy Matters – helping children change their world An International Save the Children Alliance guide to advocacy: participants manual

This guide is for Save the Children staff and partners who are involved in advocacy. You can use it as a general advocacy resource.

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Participation Models Citizens, Youth Online A chase through the maze

This publication outlines and examines all the models of participation and empowerment from Arnstein’s ‘Ladder of Citizen Participation’

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Every child deserves a family

This report provides feedback to children who took part in the consultations for developing EveryChild’s conceptual framework.

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Child Advisory Boards

Groups of young people supported by Plan, who engage with school authorities, the media, national development organisations and the United Nations to advocate for child rights.

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Child Participation – how to involve children

The fifth meeting of the Forum provided the opportunity to discuss how to move forward on the EU strategy on the Rights of the Child.

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The right of the child to protection from corporal punishment and other cruel and degrading forms of punishment General Comment No 8

The Convention on the Rights of the Child and other international human rights instruments recognize the right of the child to respect for the child’s human dignity and physical integrity and equal protection under the law.

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Child-friendly justice – Perspectives and experiences of children involved in judicial proceedings as victims, witnesses or parties in nine EU Member States

The present report focuses on children who have been victims, witnesses or parties in judicial proceedings.

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Focus groups with young people: a participatory approach to research

Experiences of conducting focus groups with young people as part of a participatory approach to research design and participant recruitment.

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General Comment No. 15 (2013): The right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health

This general comment provides guidance and support to States parties and other duty-bearers to support them in respecting, protecting and fulfilling children’s right to enjoyment to the highest attainable standard of health.

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General Comment No.9 (2006): The rights of children with disabilities

This general comment provides guidance and assistance to States parties in their efforts to implement the rights of children with disabilities in a comprehensive manner which covers all provisions of the Convention.

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Childrens Voices in Housing Estate Regeneration

The goal of this research is to give a voice to children and young people in the context of housing estate regeneration.

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Participation Framework

The Framework focuses on children and young people’s individual and collective participation in decision-making.

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The Lundy Model

This model provides a pathway to help conceptualise Article 12 of the
UNCRC.

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The Child Poverty Act 2010: How local authorities can involve children and young people

This report aims to give local authorities a brief introduction to their duties under the Child Poverty Act, and in particular, provides further information on how to involve children and young people in work on poverty.

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Conditions for Change for Children and Young Peoples Participation in Evaluation: Change-Scape

Using cases from Nepal and UK, the ‘Changescape’ structures the conditions that determine whether evidence from children participating in evaluation is utilised by decision-makers to shape services and inform strategic processes.

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Childrens Geographies

Children’s Geographies is an international peer-reviewed journal that publishes leading edge research and scholarship engaging with and advancing geographical and spatial perspectives on children, young people and families.

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Children & Society

Children & Society is an international, interdisciplinary journal publishing high quality research and debate on all aspects of childhood and policies and services for children and young people.

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Moving Beyond Youth Voice

Resources / Case Studies / Youth Voice on Living in Special Care Moving Beyond Youth Voice Recorded 21st July 2016 Contributors Author: Joyce Serido, Lynne M. Borden, Daniel F. Perkins Publisher: Youth & Society Date: 2009 Geographic Coverage: Not location-specific Type of Resource: N/A Sector/setting: N/A Vulnerable groups: Children, Young People Developed with children and [...]
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Youth participation in Finland and in Germany: Status analysis and data based recommendations

This report is a comparative overview of youth participation in Germany and Finland. The project was launched in November 2007 as a bilateral cooperation initiative by the Finnish Ministry of Education and the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ).

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National Action Plan for Social Inclusion, 2007-2016

The Government is committed to a coherent strategy for social inclusion based on the lifecycle approach set out in the national partnership agreement towards 2016

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Independent Institutions Protecting Children’s Rights UNICEF Innocenti Digest No. 8

This issue of the UNICEF Innocenti Digest examines the role and functions of exisiting Ombudsmen and Commissioners for Children and their success in protecting and promoting children’s rights.

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Youth Work Act 2001

An act to extend the functions of vocational education committees in relation to youth work, to provide for the making of grants in respect of youth work, to provide for the appointment of an assessor of youth work and his or her functions under the act.

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Revised European Charter on the participation of the young people in local and regional life’ Recommendation 128

The revised Charter advocates adequate support and commitment to the implementation of youth participation policies and practices

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Teenspace – National Recreation Policy for Young People

The aims of the research were to determine what young Irish people do in their free time and what are the barriers and supports they experience and their aspirations with regard to recreation and leisure.

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Mid-Term Review and Phase Two Action Plan of the National Strategy on Children and Young People’s Participation in Decision-Making, 2015-2020

A plan to strengthen the voice of children and young people in their local communities, in formal and informal education settings, in health and social services and in the national context of government decision-making.

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An Audit of Children and Young People’s Participation in Decision-Making

The aim of this study was to document activity in statutory and non-statutory organisations that enables participation by children and young people (under the age of 18) in decision-making that affects their lives.

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Teenagers views on Solutions to Alcohol Misuse. Report on a National Consultation.

In 2007, the Minister for Children announced that his Office would consult with teenagers on alcohol misuse. The consultations were designed to explore how young people themselves view teenage drinking.

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The Agenda for Children’s Services: Reflective Questions for HSE Senior Managers

The aim of The Agenda is to assist policy-makers, managers and front-line practitioners to engage in reflective practice.

Children & Young people consultation Youth Friendly Report

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Consultations with Children & Young People for the Family Justice Oversight Group (Youth-friendly Version)

The Family Justice Oversight group, formed by Helen McEntee Minister for Justice, is currently developing a plan for the family justice system for Ireland.

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So, How was School Today?

Comhairle na nÓg National Executive developed this survey in response to Comhairle members, who identified their top issue as the need for young people to have a stronger say on what happens in the classroom.

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Bhuel, Conas A Bhí an Scoil Inniu?

Comhairle na nÓg National Executive developed this survey in response to Comhairle members, who identified their top issue as the need for young people to have a stronger say on what happens in the classroom.

Comhairliuchan UPR & UNCRPD UNCRC Le Leanai agus Daoine Oga

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What We Think – UNCRC, UPR, & UNCRPD Consultation with Children & Young People Gaeilge

Chuaigh an Roinn Leanaí, Comhionannais, Míchumais, Lánpháirtíochta agus Óige (DCEDIY) i gcomhairle le leanaí agus daoine óga chun a gcuid tuairimí maidir le cearta leanaí in Éirinn a chloisteáil.

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Consultation with Young People on Cancer Prevention Behaviours

The HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) in conjunction with the DCEDIY and the National Participation Office undertook a consultation with young people on skin cancer prevention behaviours in 2021.

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Child and youth participation in Finland: A Council of Europe policy review

Review of child participation in Finland based on the Framework for the policy review process of the Council of Europe policy review on child and youth participation 2010-2011

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Children’s Right to be Heard in Global Climate Change Negotiations

This report presents the case for children’s participation in climate change negotiations and makes recommendations for their involvement.

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Children’s Participation in Decision-making

The Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) promotes the rights and welfare of children and young people under 18 years of age living in Ireland.

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’Education and social inclusion of children and young people with autism spectrum disorders’ Recommendation CM/Rec(2009)9 (Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 21 October 2009

This recommendation is aimed at member states adopting legislation and policies to provide enabling structures to mitigate the effects of autism spectrum disorder and to facilitate the social integration, & improve the living conditions.

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Facing the crisis supporting children through positive care options

This paper explores a range of options to better support the care and protection of children at risk of separation from their families or needing substitute care. It aims to move beyond the critique of residential care provided in A Last Resort.

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International Journal of Childrens Rights

The articles in the preeminent International Journal of Children’s Rights reflect the perspectives of a broad range of disciplines and contribute to a greater understanding of children

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Results of an International Survey regarding Children’s Participation in Decision-Making Following Parental Separation

The survey explored how children’s participation rights are respected in post-separation decision-making in international family law contexts, including a focus on the legislative mechanisms and on the factors that facilitated, or hindered, children’s parents.

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Childhood Journal

Childhood is a major international peer reviewed journal and a forum for research relating to children in global society.

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Ten Tips For Legal Professionals: Meaningful Child Participation In Family Justice Processes

This guide provides 10 tips to help legal professionals involve children in family justice processes so that they and their families are better served.

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Forum for Young People in Care

This report presents the findings of a Forum for Young People in Care established by the Irish Association of Young People in Care (now EPIC) and HSE Dublin North.

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The right to be properly researched: research with children in a messy, real world

Editorial from a Special Issue of Children’s Geographies on developing rights-based methodolgies.

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ChildLinks Children’s Participation Issue 2 2021

This issue of ChildLinks looks at children’s participation in decision-making and contains articles from DCEDIY and Hub na nÓg.

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Healthy Lifestyles – Have your say. A report of consultations with children and young people

A report of the results of a national consultation of children and young people conducted by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Health to help inform the development of the new national strategy to combat obesity.

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Is the honeymoon over? Children and young people’s participation in public decision-making

Children and young people’s participation in public decision-making is now firmly on international and national agendas. This article concludes the special issue on such participation, by discussing three central issues for children.

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Face to Face: Children and Young People’s Right to Participate in Public Decision-making

The studies discussed here suggest that face-to-face engagement between rights-holders and duty-bearers holds a distinctive place among participative methods.

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Child-led research: From participating in research to leading it

This document brings together the current thinking and practice on human rights based approaches in the education sector. It presents key issues and challenges in rights-based approaches and provides a framework for policy and programme development.

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From rhetoric to practice: Bridging the gap between what we believe and what we do

This paper discusses the practical reasons for the disjuncture between the rhetoric and the practice of promoting children’s participation, including participation being a means to an end versus an end itself.

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Guidelines for Research with Children and Young People

These guidelines are aimed at assisting researchers who are thinking about involving children and young people in their work. The guidelines provide practical advice to the researcher on how to involve children and young people through all stages.

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Youth as Researchers Training Manual

The manual provides a step-by-step guide for young people carrying out a research project and the accompanying workbook is designed to complement the training by suggesting practical tasks to support the research process.

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Participation of Children and Young People: Our Approach

TUSLA have come up with an approach to participation to make sure that children’s views are taken into account in decisions that affect them.

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Concluding Observations: Ireland, CRC/CO/2, 29 September 2006.

The Committee considered the second periodic report of Ireland (CRC/C/IRL/2) at its 1182nd and 1184th meetings (see CRC/C/SR1182 and 1184), held on 20 September 2006, and adopted at its 1199th meeting, held on 29 September 2006 its concluding observations

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Annexes – Child-friendly justice -Perspectives and experiences of children involved in judicial proceedings as victims, witnesses or parties in nine EU Member States

This report presents the findings of the second phase of FRA’s fieldwork research on child-friendly justice.

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Ombudsman for Children Annual Report 2017

The Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) promotes the rights and welfare of children and young people under 18 years of age living in Ireland.

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Participation of youth in decision‐making procedures during residential care: A narrative review

This narrative literature review focuses on the opportunities of young people to participate, the challenges and facilitators to participation, and the outcomes of care related to participation.

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Child and Youth Participation Toolkit – Tusla

This toolkit has been developed through a collaborative process involving a number of Tusla staff­ and managers, key stakeholders, community voluntary groups, and young people.

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Does organized sport participation during youth predict healthy habits in adulthood? A 28 year longitudinal study

This study aimed to investigate the association between participation in organized youth sport and adult healthy lifestyle habits.

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In defence of tokenism? Implementing childrens right to participate in collective decision-making

This article revisits the concept and practice of tokenism in collective child participation, querying whether it is accurate to describe it as ‘non-participation’ and assessing the extent to which it may offer a useful and sometimes necessary step on the journey to more respectful and meaningful engagement with children.

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The Voice of the Child in Child Protection: Whose Voice?

This paper draws upon research undertaken in Scotland but the findings of the study are relevant across the UK and beyond.

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The Voice of the Child in Social Work Assessments: Age-Appropriate Communication with Children

This article describes a child-centred method for engaging with children involved in the child protection and welfare system.

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Consulting with children with disabilities as service-users : practical and methodological considerations

This project was undertaken in response to a request from the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI) to undertake a review which would assist the Social Services Inspectorate to prepare for the inspection of children’s residential centres for children.

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‘A school for children with rights’ UNICEF Innocenti Lecture

This lecture examines the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child for modern education policy. Articles 28 and 29 of the Convention, which aims pertain to education rights, are analysed against the four guiding principles.

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Conceptualizing the role of adults within youth-adult partnerships: An example from practice

This paper conceptualizes the specific roles that adults provide and the complex interactions between youth and adults that emerge within youth participation efforts.

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‘Aims of education’ General Comment No. 1

Compliance with the values recognized in article 29 (1) of the UNCRC, which sets down the aims of education, clearly requires that schools be child-friendly in the fullest sense of the term and that they be consistent in all respects.

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‘Children’s Participation in the Decision-Making Process During Hospitalisation: an observational study’

Twenty-four children (aged 5 months to 18 years) who were admitted to a university hospital were observed for a total of 135 hours with the aim of describing their degree of participation in decisions concerning their own care.

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The Adolescent Perspective on Participation in Treatment Decision Making: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this study was to determine whether 3 adolescents diagnosed with cancer within the previous 3 to 6 months and between 13 and 15 years of age were capable of providing data directly regarding decision making. 

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‘Children’s participation in consultations and decision-making at health service level: A review of the literature’

This paper critiques the research literature from between 1993 and 2007 on children’s, parents and healthcare professionals’ experiences of children’s participation in consultations and decision-making within the Irish healthcare setting. 

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‘Participation and health – a research review of child participation in planning and decision-making’

The purpose of this study is to review the research evidence for effects, positive or negative, of participation on health outcomes for children in care. A scoping review of major health and social work research databases was undertaken. 

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Adolescent friendly health services: an agenda for change

This report documents effective ways to promote young people’s meaningful participation in receiving health care services and/or basic information as a person in their own right and in a non-judgemental manner within a global context. 

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Its Our Brexit Too: Childrens Rights, Childrens Voices

This is a report on the views, hopes and fears of young people, North and South, and is the outcome of a unique cross-border conference

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‘Adolescent health and development in the context of the CRC’ General Comment No. 4

This General Comment outlines the right of young people to express views freely and have them duly taken into account (art. 12) which is fundamental in realising adolescents’ right to health and development.

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Learning to listen: consulting children and young people with disabilities

This report is based on a consultation with disabled children and young people in London in 2000. It focuses on the methods and processes of carrying out such a consultation-consent issues, how to structure consultation sessions and tools used. 

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“Take My Hand” Young Peoples Experiences of Mental Health Services

“Take My Hand” report highlights young people’s experiences of, and perspectives on mental health services.

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The participation of children and young people in care: insights from an analysis of national inspection reports in the Republic of Ireland

This paper outlines findings in relation to participation standards in HIQA foster care, residential care and special care inspection reports over a two-year period from 2013 to 2015.

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Promoting the rights of children with disabilities Inoocenti Digest No. 13

The Innocenti Digest on Promoting the Rights of children with disabilities. 

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Deinstitutionalisation and community living of children with disabilities

This recommendation aims to promote the deinstitutionalisation of children with disabilities and their life in the community.

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Voice of the child – raising the volume of the voices of children and young people in care

A special edition of Child Care in Practice on “Raising the Voice of Children and Young People in Care”

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Supporting Childrens Participation in Decision Making: A Systematic Literature Review Exploring the Effectiveness of Participatory Processes

This article explores how effective processes are in supporting children’s participation in decisions concerning their personal welfare, protection and care.

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Development and testing of an assessment of youth/young adult voice in agency-level advising and decision making

This paper describes the development and validation of the Youth/Young Adult Voice at the Agency Level (Y-VAL), an assessment of the extent to which agencies have implemented best practices for supporting meaningful participation.

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Justifying children and young peoples involvement in social research: Assessing Harm and Benefit.

When children and young people’s involvement in research is increasingly the norm, this article reflects on the importance of a well-reasoned and transparent justification for their inclusion or exclusion

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Listen to them! The challenge of capturing the true voice of young people within early intervention and prevention models; a youth work perspective

Exploring the challenges to youth work in capturing the voices of young people in a meaningful way within Meitheal and the Child and Family Support Networks model.

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Children’s Rights Budgeting and Social Accountability: Children’s Views on its Purposes, Processes and Their Participation

The article identifies some of the barriers to including children in decision making on public spending.

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Children’s Views on Children’s Rights: A Systematic Literature Review

This systematic literature review aimed to investigate children’s views of children’s rights, at a broad level.

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Youth First: A Canadian Youth-led Initiative in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Youth First focused on creating safe and interactive spaces in cyberspace for young people during the pandemic.

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“The pandemic is galvanizing change”: Shifting to a critical and decolonial approach to human rights education with youth

COVID-19 reveals the vital role of human rights education (HRE) in combatting racial discrimination and safeguarding youth civil rights.

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Study of Perception of Parents and Their Children About Day-to-day Outdoor Play Spaces

The quantitative study and analysis highlights different aspects like play and mobility range, open space visitation, activities of children.

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A Qualitative Study of Child Participation in Decision-making: Exploring Rights-based Approaches in Pediatric Occupational Therapy

This qualitative study described the decision-making experiences of children, parents and therapists in occupational therapy.

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Seeing lockdown through the eyes of children from around the world: Reflecting on a children’s artwork project

This summary report presents key messages that young people have identified as key experiences and priority concerns during the pandemic since November 2020.

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Growing-up Under Covid-19: Key Messages from the Second Cycle of Participatory Action Research

This report presents messages that young people have identified as key experiences and priority concerns during the pandemic.

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Research Series Issue 45: Rural Youth Inclusion, Empowerment, and Participation

This study focuses on participation in decision-making processes and how rural youth could benefit from its findings in development projects

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National Child Participation Strategy: Building a Caring Society. Together.

This document provides a common framework to guide government and civil society to promote the meaningful participation of children in South Africa.

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‘I Want to Share This Video With You Today.’ Children’s Participation Rights in Childhood Research

This paper discusses ethical and methodological considerations of children’s rights-based epistemology.

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Promoting the Participation of Seldom Heard Young People: A Review of the Literature on Best Practice Principles

Reviewing the national and international literature on the participation of seldom heard young people and to identify best practice principles in the field.

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‘Seeing Voices’ – Voice of the Child Project 2021

The Voice of the Child project was initiated by The Genesis Programme under Louth LEADER Partnership’s ABC Programme and funded by CYPSC.

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Working with young people: A national study of youth work provision and policy in contemporary Ireland

This study provides a context to the provision and policy of Irish youth work. It identified that over 43,000 young people participated in youth work groups across Ireland.

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The Irish National Children’s Strategy: Lessons for promoting the social inclusion of children and young people

This article describes the origins, development and contents of the Irish National Children’s Strategy, noting the links to the wider imperative of social inclusion.

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Children and Young Peoples Participation in the Community in Ireland: Experiences and Issues

This is an executive summary of a regional technical workshop for Save the Children and partners in Bangkok on 5-6 March 2009 on involving children and young people in violence prevention and protection.

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Space, Voice, Audience and Influence: The Lundy Model of Participation (2007) in Child Welfare Practice

The purpose of this article is to share examples of how practitioners working in Ireland’s child protection and welfare services implement these concepts in practice

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Perils of perspective: Identifying adult confidence in the childs capacity, autonomy, power and agency (CAPA) in readiness for voice-inclusive practice

In recent years, children’s voice initiatives in education have gained increased recognition and application. However, while the concept of child and student ‘voice’ is not new, there remains a high level of inconsistency in how voice-focused initiatives are implemented across education sectors.

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‘Will you listen? Young voices from conflict zones’ Machel study 10-year strategic review: children and conflict in a changing world

UNICEF was a co-convenor of this 10th-anniversary strategic review of the issues raised in the landmark 1996 Machel study on the impacts of conflict on children, which aims to serve as an advocacy and policy tool on children and armed conflict.

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Embedding a childrens rights perspective in policy and decision-making

An overview of the extent to which children’s rights are promoted and taken into account in policies and practice.

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The impact of children and young peoples participation on policy making

A report commissioned by the Scottish Government to explore the impact children and young people’s participation has had on policy-making in Scotland.

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Youth Participation Good Practices in Different Forms of Regional and Local Democracy

Youth in Europe are politically engaged and having their say at the local level in many fields of democracy