Decision-making: children and young people's participation

Who this guide is for

This guide includes information on what participation looks like in practice. It may be of interest to professionals, parents and carers, and children and young people.

The Scottish Government cannot guarantee the quality or accuracy of any linked resources. 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.

Professionals

Setting out professional learning and advice to support effective engagement with children and young people professional guidance is aimed at duty-bearers within public authorities. Professionals should explore the children’s rights skills and knowledge framework which provides access to resources and training on children’s rights, and on taking a children’s human rights approach, for the Scottish public authority workforce. The resources are aimed at a wide range of sectors, giving users an enhanced understanding of how they can respect, protect and fulfil children’s rights.

Advice and support for parents and carers

If you are a parent or carer and new to children’s rights, you could have a look at the booklet on the Parentclub website. This resource has been specifically written for parents by the Scottish Government and parenting organisations.

You can read a handy guide to talking to your child about their rights with lots of tips to help you manage tricky conversations and balance their different rights.

The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman has also produced a guide for parents and carers. This resource is for adults and explains the new child-friendly complaints process and the rights of any child involved in a complaint.  

Children and young people

The advice and support for children and young people page is the place to be if you are a child or young person. There you will find useful information about how your views can be heard and what you can do if you feel your rights are not being respected. The information in this section is also useful to those supporting children and young people.