What is child and young person involvement?

Although approaches can vary, the fundamental purpose of child and young person involvement is consistent – to foster involvement ‘with’ or ‘by’ children or young people rather than ‘to’, ‘about’ or ‘for’ them’. This approach is widely recognised across research, practice, policy, and advocacy.

Involvement requires genuinely listening to children and young people, and creating opportunities for them to meaningfully exert influence and impact. Involving children and young people not only captures their views, but also nurtures their strengths, interests and abilities. It provides genuine opportunities for their participation in decisionsabout things that affect and matter to them.

Involving children and young people can include, but is not limited to:

surveys or consultations to help shape programs or services
contributing to meetings and events
participating on boards, committees, youth councils, and advisory groups
designing, leading or supporting projects
planning, co-facilitating and/or delivering presentations at conferences, training sessions or workshops
co-designing and co-producing research, services and/or programs
meeting and raising issues with politicians and other decision makers.

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