Scottish Government launches new web-page on children’s participation

Date: 11th March 2020
Category: Respect for the views of the child

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The page includes guidance for decision-makers on engaging with children and young people as part of decision-making, and provides practice examples and ideas.

It sets out that children have a right to be heard and have their views taken into account under Article 12 of the UNCRC. The page also sets out the nine basic requirements of participation under General Comment 12 – that effective participation must be:

1. Transparent and informative
2. Voluntary
3. Respectful
4. Relevant to children and young people
5. Child-friendly
6. Inclusive
7. Supported by training
8. Safe and sensitive to risk
9. Accountable

The page is aimed at those engaging with children and young people as part of their decision making, including:

• Public authorities
• Policymakers
• Service designers
• Professionals

The work is part of Scottish Government’s commitment to develop a strategic approach to children and young people’s participation. The page was developed after input from a working group of which Together was part.

• Access the webpage here.
• Read more about Scottish Government’s strategic approach to participation in Together’s State of Children’s Rights Report 2019 (page 36)