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Meaningful participation significantly improves a child or young person’s decision making skills, by giving them a voice to make choices.
It is essential that children and young people:
Are supported to express their views
Are actively listened to
Are involves in decision-making processes
Have their views valued, considered and recorded
Engage and provide information in a manner which is appropriate to the child or young person’s age and development.
Keep meetings relaxed:
Talk in the care whilst driving
Meet at informal food outlets
Wander through a shopping mall or a park
Chat on the phone
Engage in an activity like bowling
Find creative ways to facilitate communication:
Use video and audio as a form of communication
Using writing such as shared diaries or consultation forms
Utilise role play, drawings, drama and songs to express feelings
Use toys, aps and games to facilitate discussion
Access to information:
Plan and set regular meetings
Communicate any leave or reasons for not being available
Arrange regular drop in sessions
Try to return calls the same day
Send a text message if too busy to return a call quickly
Use the communication methods they use; Facebook, What’s App, Kik, etc
Trust:
Be clear about the boundaries of your position
Keep your client informed
Be consistent and reliable
Never over-promise
This document provides practical tips to increase engagement. Download the Tipsheet Summary to refer to in your daily work.
It is vital children and young people participate in decisions that have an impact on their lives
Amit Padhiar, Barnardos Australia Practice Development Centre