Bairns' Hoose – children and young people: participation and engagement plan

2. Scottish Government Approach to Participation and Engagement in Bairns' Hoose

We will ensure alignment with the Scottish Government's approach to participation. This approach is described in the Scottish Government's 2021 Decision-making: children and young people's participation.

As a starting point for our approach, we have engaged with a range of relevant stakeholders and colleagues with experience, skills and expertise in the participation of children and young people.

The organisations we engaged with represent groups of children and young people with different priorities and lived experiences. A key message from this engagement was that a "one size fits all" approach should not be adopted for participation work. We heard about a range of experiences of engagement which have had varying levels of success.

A further common theme which emerged from these discussions was the use of the Lundy model of participation, which allows UNCRC Article 12, "the right to have views given due weight," to be understood and realised. The four elements of the model have a rational chronological order:

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This model provides a pathway to help conceptualise Article 12 of the UNCRC. It focusses on four distinct, albeit interrelated, elements. The four elements have a rational chronological order.

Space

Children and young people must be given safe, inclusive opportunities to form and express their views

Voice

Children and young people must be facilitated to express their views

Audience

The views must be listened to

Influence

The views must be acted upon, as appropriate

Space > Voice > Audience > Influence

Stage 1: The Right to Express Views

Stage 2: The Right to Have Views Given Due Weight

This engagement has given a strong basis for our approach to participation. Fundamentally, this is to be led by the children and young people involved who will shape not only the policy as it will affect them, but also the ways that we engage, so that they can make their voices heard and know that these are being considered.

The Scottish Government is now an associate member of the European PROMISE Barnahus network. Membership will allow further learning from international examples of good practice in relation to participation and engagement and the ability to draw on recent international research such as:

• Mapping child participation in Barnahus in Europe and;
• Building a Culture of Participation in Barnahus Implementing Children's Right to Participate in Decision-Making.