Children and Young People's Participation

Children and young people's participation is so much more than being involved, engaged, being part of something...

It is defined as the process by which individuals and/or groups of individuals can influence the decision making process and bring about change.

Children and young people's participation is an informed and willing involvement of all children and young people, including the most marginalised and those of different ages and abilities, in any matter concerning them, either directly or indirectly.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health is committed to the safe, meaningful and ethical participation of children and young people.

Our Vision

Our Objectives

Terminology

Youth Advisory Panel

Not Just a Phase

My Right to the Highest Standard of Health

Useful Contacts

 
Our Vision

'We do a great injustice to children and young people when, as a society, we fail to listen to their views, take on board their perspectives and value their contribution in shaping child health services.' Professor Terence Stephenson, President, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Not Just a Phase – a guide to the participation of children and young people in health services, 2010

Our Objectives

We want to:

• Develop a range of strategic opportunities that facilitate the safe, meaningful and ethical participation of children and young people to challenge and influence standards of health services delivered to them.
   
• Create information; establish mechanisms and processes that enable children and young people from diverse backgrounds to influence the education, training, professional development and assessment of Paediatricians in the UK.
   
• Embed the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into the work of the College by liaising with all key stakeholders including children and young people.
   
• Be a key leader in the UK, European and International stage on advocating with and for children and young people on health matters impacting their lives                                            

Terminology 

It is important to understand some of the terminology relating to participation. Participation is not consultation or involvement alone.

Consultation is the process by which children and young people are asked for their views and opinions.

Involvement, or engagement, describes the inclusion of children and young people in some form of decision making process.

Participation is the process by which individuals and/or groups of individuals can influence the decision making process and bring about change.

In relation to health: The meaningful participation of children and young people can directly or indirectly address health inequalities and creates a platform to allow children and young people to influence healthcare services and resource allocation.