Children and young people’s participation – our way forward Natalia Sali 6 th Jan 2010

What I will tell you My role and what I hope to achieve Some good practices in Merton What can be improved Our priorities in the next few months

My role and what I hope to achieve Coordinator – working 17.5 hours per week To make sure that children and young people’s views are considered across the CSF department and in democratic processes Specifically: a.to work with the virtual team in monitoring and evaluating participation using the Hear By Right b.to be actively involved in Youth Engagement Project – Youth Mayor c.to identify and develop participation champions d.To promote understanding of the Participation Promise, and work towards a menu of participation strategies, including documenting good practices that can be shared across the CSF and the community.

Some good practices Participation Promise Dedicated participation officers – virtual team Youth Parliament Your Shout Children in Care Council School and Children Councils Children/young people in commissioning Youth Opportunities Fund Panel Youth Engagement Project Voluntary sector youth groups/forums

What can be improved Participation Promise – participation strategies, monitoring and reporting of good practices; Expand membership of existing forums to reach out to more children and young people Embed participation in everything we do – strategically through CYPP & departmental plans Enable the workforce to engage children and young people – learning and development Celebrate best practices

Our priorities in the next months Youth Mayor – prepare for a referendum. Develop Merton’s CYP Participation Strategy. - this inter-agency meeting as part of the process. - CYP event on Thursday 18 th Feb, 10-3 at the Chaucer Centre. - meeting with different groups. E.g. Your Shout; Vol sector youth forums. Training for staff on skills to engage children and young people, and creating a culture of participation. Embedding the Participation Promise in plans and processes. Documenting good practices – as informed by children and young people on what can be considered a ‘good practice.’ Identify and develop participation champions in CSF department.