Towards a Participation Framework for Eurochild

Sean O’NeillPolicy Director, Children in Wales

United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)• Article 12 – Children have the right to say what they think should happen when adults are making decisions that affect them, and to have their opinions taken into account

•Welsh Assembly Government formally adopted the UNCRC to provide a foundation of principal for all issues relating to children.

‘Every child has the right to be consulted, to participate in decision making, to be heard on

all matters that concern them, or have an impact on their lives’

Taking Participation forward in• Funky Dragon (Children & Young People’s Assembly for Wales)

• Youth Councils & Forums

• School Councils

• Participation Consortium (partnership body)

• Welsh Assembly Participation Project

• Children’s Commissioner for Wales

• Local Services / Projects

• National Participation Website & Resources

Key drivers for change• Rights based agenda

• Children’s competence

• Better understanding of the benefits

• Response to ‘Childism’

• Consumer movement

• Partnership working and shared learning

• Leadership and Commitment

Benefits of Participation(Children)

Opportunity to express their needs Empathy with others Enhances communication skills Gain insight and information Develop decision making skills Gain confidence and improved self-

esteem

Benefits of Participation(Professionals)

Relationships become stronger

Sense of ownership over their environment

Greater co-operation – activities & rules

Enable adults to work more effectively

Services reflects the needs of ALL children

Activities/services to meet the needs of children

Barriers to Participation

Attitudes Expectations of children - ‘Can do’ Vs

‘Can’t do’ Child as a barrier Dependency Resources Role of adults as protectors – ‘managing

risk’

Additional Barriers to Participation(marginalised & disadvantaged groups) Physical barriers Financial barriers Social & Cultural barriers Mistrust barriers Professional skills barrier Increased attitudinal barriers

The Way Forward• Shared understanding of Participation to inform the framework

Key principles• Voluntary Non-Discriminatory• Informed Respectful• Best Interest Feedback• Review

‘Having a Voice, Having a Choice’

‘Nothing about us, without us’

Framework will also require• Commitment and leadership

• Ways to address the barriers

• Structure and Opportunities

• Inclusion

• Shared working and practice

• Involvement of Children & Young People to help inform the agenda

www.childreninwales.org.uk

Diolch am gwrando – Thank you for listening