I want to ensure that children and young people are protected from harm and not put at risk through their participation

Informed

1) The Right to Participation for Rights Respecting Schools

UNICEF UK

A brief introduction to the right to participation, which notes that participation should be relevant, informed, voluntary, safe, respectful and transparent.

2) 10 top tips for engaging with young people

The Right Way, Scottish Youth Parliament

10 top tips from young people to ensure your participation is meaningful.

3) Let’s decide together! Guide to meaningful and effective engagement of children in decision-making processes

Council of Europe

A 42 page pdf with guidance on meaningful and effective engagement of children and young people in decision-making processes. Chapter 1 (pages 12-13), details the prerequisites for meaningful, inclusive and safe child participation in decision-making processes in national and local authorities. Chapter 6 (pages 28-29), covers safeguarding within child participation in decision-making processes.

4) Meaningful Participation and Engagement of Children and Young People

Children in Scotland

This is a 12 page pdf about meaningful participation and engagement of children and young people. Useful for individuals looking to improve their practice when including children and young people in their work. Page 5 includes information on safeguarding and child protection.

Skilled

1)  Laura Lundy – Participation and protection: the Lundy Model in practice

Keeping Children Safe

This talk was part of the Child Participation in Safeguarding 2022 global conference. This video presents The Lundy Model in Practice. It highlights Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and introduces viewers to The Lundy Model. Additionally, the presentation offers guidance on how to effectively implement the model in real-world settings.

2) Annex 1 of Council of Europe's Handbook on children’s participation

Council of Europe

Annex 1 of the Council of Europe Handbook on children's participation detailing the nine basic requirements for effective and ethical participation and the implications for practice. Useful for individuals or organisations looking to involve infants, children and young people in participation.

3) We Are Here: A Child Participation Toolbox

Eurochild

The Child Participation Toolbox is a downloadable 185 page pdf. It contains guidance, activities and resources to support children and young people's participation. Pages 29 – 44 explain the basic considerations for any events or activities involving children and adults: keeping everyone safe and embracing diversity, including respect for different cultures, and different life experiences that might have caused trauma.

4) 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.

5) 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. 

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.