Participation and co-production best practice

Individual participation

This involves children and young people in decisions that affect their lives. For example, decisions about their support and care, and their day-to-day activities. Children and young people can build their decision-making skills, confidence and self-esteem. They will also become aware of their rights in being involved in decisions about them.

Operational participation

This involves children and young people and/or families in decisions on their actual needs. This is instead of a service or organisation deciding what their needs are.

Strategic participation

Children and young people and/or families work with service delivery partners. Together they plan long-term priorities for services and support. They also help monitor and design services. Strategic participation can be at a local, regional or national level.