I want to take children and young people’s views into account in decisions that affect them

Informed

1) Listening to Children – A Universal Toolkit

Highland Council Psychological Service

A two page resource from Highland Council Psychological Service detailing their 'Listening to children' toolkit. It includes information, resources, training and publications. Useful for individuals and organisations looking to support children and young people to give their views on matters that affect them.

2) Article 12 and young people's right to be heard

The Right Way, Scottish Youth Parliament

In the eight minute video at the ‘Meaningful Participation’ section of this webpage, Laura Lundy gives an overview of her participation model and explains how it supports children’s rights to express views and to have those views given due weight.

3) Scenario - Improving children and young people's involvement in social work

Together (Scottish Alliance for Children's Rights)

A two page pdf detailing a scenario where a social work team improves involvement from children and young people at all stages of their interactions with their service. Useful for social workers.

4) Creating Class Charters in St Paul’s

St Paul’s primary school, Shettleston

This five minute video demonstrates an example of children’s views being taken into account in the development of class charters in a primary school. The approach can be replicated in other settings.

5) Facing the Future Superhero

Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health

Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health website detailing children and young people's right to be involved in decisions about their health, including a video and a game. Useful for individuals working in health, or looking for examples of child friendly information.

Skilled

1) Planning Children's Services: A Model of Engagement

Edinburgh Council and Scottish Government

A Scottish Government website which provides a model of engagement for developing children's services plans. It includes information about a pilot project, key themes, reflections, next steps and recommendations. Useful for individuals and organisations who are developing plans with children and young people's participation.

2) Through our eyes: giving due weight to children and young people in policy making

Centre for children and young people, Southern Cross University

This e-book has sections on p18-25 on integrating children and young people’s views in decision making and giving them due weight. It also includes sections on valuing their lived experience, supporting participation, engaging directly with them on policy matters and relating with respect, reciprocity and accountability.

3) Scenario - Involving Children and Young People in Recruitment

Together (Scottish Alliance for Children's Rights)

A two page pdf detailing a scenario where an NHS board team involve children and young people in recruitment. Useful for individuals looking for an example of involving children and young people in decisions that affect their lives.

4) Learner Participation in Educational Settings (3-18)

Education Scotland

Webpage with guidance and support materials to help schools and early years settings develop an understanding of learner participation and plan for implementation within their setting. The resource also contains five film case studies which exemplify practice and other support documents. Useful for individuals working in education.

5) Participation Tips for Workers

Children’s Parliament

Eight minute video co-produced by the Children and Families Panel about how to effectively engage with children and young people to seek their views.

Enhanced

1) Decision-making: children and young people's participation

Scottish Government

Participation guidance to support public authorities to engage with children and young people as part of their decision-making. 

2) The Right Way Hub

Scottish Youth Parliament

A website with resources developed by young people to help decision-makers practice meaningful participation. These include case studies, FAQs, online training, checklists and more. The website also includes children and young people's experiences. Useful for individuals or organisations looking to involve infants, children and young people in participation.

3) Spectrum of Participation

International Association for Public Participation

International Association for Public Participation’s Spectrum of Public Participation was designed to assist with the selection of the level of participation that defines the public’s role in any public participation process. The Spectrum is used internationally, and it is found in public participation plans around the world.

This is a Scottish Government-funded project. This webpage, and the linked resources within it have not been produced by the Scottish Government and so the Scottish Government cannot guarantee their quality or accuracy. Nothing on this webpage and in its linked resources is intended to constitute legal advice. Readers should seek their own independent legal advice with respect to any legal matter.