Decision-making: children and young people's participation
How to involve children and young people in decision-making.
Overview
Children's rights
Everyone has rights. Rights make sure we’re all treated fairly and can reach our full potential. Children have additional rights to adults. This is because children need extra protection and don’t have the independence adults do.
Children’s rights are set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This is an internationally agreed document that recognises the importance of children’s rights and freedoms and aims to puts the best interests of the child first. Read more about children’s rights and see a child-friendly version of the Convention.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 (UNCRC Act) became law in July 2024. Scotland is the first UK Nation to incorporate the UNCRC directly into domestic law.
One of the rights in the UNCRC, is that every child and young person who is capable of forming his or her own views has the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting them. Consideration should be given to how views are obtained.
Participation means actively involving children and young people in decisions that affect their lives to ensure their voices are heard and respected. They can play a critical role in shaping their own lives as well as public services and wider society.
Contact
Email: ChildrensRightsandParticipation@gov.scot
We aim to review and update this guide every year and we welcome feedback on it.