Child Participation in Decision Making

Why Participation Matters

Children have a right to be involved in decisions that affect their lives. This isn't just about respecting their rights—it leads to better decisions, better outcomes, and helps children feel valued and heard. Meaningful participation means going beyond token consultation to genuinely including children in the process.

Research shows that children who feel listened to have better outcomes, better engagement with services, and are more likely to disclose concerns when they arise.

Legal Framework

Key Requirements

• Children Act 1989: Requires ascertaining children's wishes and feelings
• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: Article 12—right to be heard
• Working Together 2018: Child-centred approach is fundamental

Levels of Participation

Roger Hart's "Ladder of Participation" identifies levels of involvement:

Non-Participation

• Manipulation—using children's presence
• Decoration—children present but not involved
• Tokenism—asking views but ignoring them

Genuine Participation

• Assigned but informed—clear role, understanding
• Consulted and informed—views genuinely sought
• Adult-initiated, shared decisions
• Child-initiated and directed
• Child-initiated, shared decisions with adults

Age-Appropriate Participation

Young Children (Under 5)

• Observe their reactions and preferences
• Use play to understand their world
• Notice non-verbal communication
• Give simple choices where possible

Primary Age (5-11)

• Explain things in simple language
• Use visual tools and activities
• Ask their views directly
• Involve them in meetings with support

Adolescents (12+)

• More direct involvement in decisions
• Written views or attendance at meetings
• Respect growing autonomy
• Consider advocacy support

Practical Strategies

Before Meetings

• Explain what the meeting is about
• Ask what they want to say
• Help them prepare their views
• Consider who should attend with them
• Offer alternatives to attending (letter, video, advocate)

During Meetings

• Use child-friendly language
• Address the child directly
• Allow breaks if needed
• Reduce jargon and acronyms
• Check understanding regularly

After Meetings

• Explain what was decided and why
• Tell them how their views influenced decisions
• Be honest if their wishes couldn't be followed
• Check how they found the experience

When Children Don't Attend Meetings

Participation doesn't always mean attendance:

• Written views or letter
• Recorded message
• Representative or advocate
• Meeting with child separately before/after
• Summary in accessible format

Advocacy

Independent advocates can support children to:

• Understand their rights
• Express their views
• Attend meetings with support
• Make complaints if needed
• Challenge decisions

Recording Children's Views

Good Practice

• Use the child's own words
• Distinguish views from your interpretation
• Note how views were obtained
• Record the context
• Show how views influenced decisions

Common Challenges

When Adults Disagree with Children's Views

• Explain clearly why the decision differs from their wish
• Acknowledge their views were heard
• Help them understand the reasons

Conflicting Views Within Families

• See children separately from parents
• Ensure children can speak freely
• Consider family dynamics

Children Who Don't Want to Engage

• Respect their choice
• Keep the door open
• Try different approaches
• Ensure they know how to reach you

Conclusion

Meaningful participation is a right and leads to better outcomes. It requires adapting approaches to each child's age and needs, genuinely listening, and showing children how their views influenced decisions—even when we can't give them what they want. Child-centred practice puts the child's voice at the heart of everything we do.