Participation and co-production best practice
Different levels of participation
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.