Change matters

What's the real purpose of participation? Read on for more about taking a 'What's Changed?' approach to promoting the rights of children and young people.

What’s changed?

With such attention to the participation of children and young people in matters that affect them in recent times, backed by a vast array of laws and policies, we have perhaps been guilty of not asking searching enough questions about the purpose of this industry and who the beneficiaries have been. Adults have tended to justify participative activity mainly by the act of involvement itself and any changes to the organisation or service resulting. But as Liam Cairns explores in his video clip, taking this approach risks confusing means and needs.  

Evidence of dialogue and evidence of change

Lord Ouseley said in his report after the Bradford disturbances: ‘If the people who are supposed to benefit from change do not know that it’s happening, then it probably isn’t happening’.  How do we know children and young people have benefitted from participative activity? What’s better for them as a result? Is their area safer? Do they get better access to training or job opportunities? There may be representative structures in place like school councils or care councils, but are students and looked after young people getting a better deal as a result?  

Stories to tell

For some years we have been researching, collecting and celebrating stories that give evidence from children and young people of dialogue and change. They are a great encouragement and inspiration. The tweets in this section give you one example a week. You can look at a whole archive at http://hbr.nya.org.uk/whatschanged and you can add your own examples below.