A Guide to Engagement with Families – Participation in Practice

Date: 21st February 2017
Category: Respect for the views of the child
Author: Action for Sick Children Scotland

This toolkit is aimed at a range of professionals who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in this area and in particular gain practical ideas of how to gather their stakeholders' views as part of their every-day practice.

Action for Sick Children Scotland (ASCS) has often been described as a bridge between the user (families) and the provider (NHS and others) and their campaigning and family participation group activity reflect this. ASCS have recently delivered participation seminars to professionals, parents and carers and 3rd sector colleagues through which some organisations suggested that a Participation Guide would be very helpful.

Given the increasing importance of enabling user participation and engagement, this toolkit is aimed at a range of professionals who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in this area and in particular gain practical ideas of how to gather their stakeholders' views as part of their everyday practice. The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, Guidance on Part 1, Appendix 4 - paragraph 154 makes reference to the importance of engagement and specific mention of 3rd Sector organisations supporting children, young people and families to have their voices heard.

This Participation Resource can be used by professionals in health and staff in other sectors for example 3rd Sector agencies who either wish to engage directly with their families or to support families in engaging with statutory and other organisations. It includes the policy background and rationale and practical sections explaining how to engage with stakeholders.