Systems

Commentary

Setting up structures for children and young people’s involvement is in some sense the easier task. Challenging established adult systems and ways of working, power and attitudes may be harder to tackle. Yet, if we don’t, progress will be short lived and attempts at active involvement will be ineffectual, frustrating and damaging. Systems are needed to support and sustain activity and record outcomes. Organisations may want to involve children and young people at short notice. But care should always be taken to consider the impact on them and to ensure practice is safe and sound, thinking through children and young people’s consent, safety, access, rewards for involvement and support needs.

Indicators

Emerging

4.1 - Policies are in place to make sure children and young people's participation is safe, sound and effective, covering consent, protection, safety, access, transport, complaints, incentives and rewards

4.2 - Budgeting and financial systems are in place for supporting the active involvement of children and young people

4.3 - Recording and evaluation systems are in place to identify and share learning and evidence of change arising from children and young people's participation

Established

4.4 - Communication systems are in place for recording, reporting and celebrating children and young people's active involvement (for example, newsletters, web, radio, articles, awards evenings)

4.5 - Children and young people and partners are involved in reviewing and updating relevant policies and systems

Advanced

4.6 - Children and young people help decide appropriate rewards for their active involvement and / or have direct control over identified budgets

4.7 - Systems, such as compacts and agreements with partner organisations, reflect the commitment to active involvement