The ACYP produced eight video case studies that highlight the best practice examples of participation by children and young people.
The case studies detail different environments and situations where children and young people are involved in making decisions that affect them. The positive effect of participation is not only for the organisation, but for the children and young people involved.
2168 Children’s Parliament is an initiative of the Liverpool City Council, Mission Australia and the NSW Department of Education. 44 members, aged 9-12 years, from 12 participating schools are selected to represent their school and community.
The 2168 Children’s Parliament provides them with an opportunity to have a voice in local, state and national decisions making processes on issues that affect them. The program develops children’s confidence, leadership and public speaking skills, while fostering a sense of belonging in the community, and engagement in decision making.
The Touched by Olivia Foundation was founded following the tragic loss of John and Justine Perkins’ eight-month old daughter Olivia. The foundation has created over 40 inclusive play spaces across Australia, and has established initiatives for creating inclusive communities.
Uniting Care Burnside have successfully incorporated the voices of some of the youngest members of their community in every day practices and processes at their childcare centre.
This case study highlights that even our youngest citizens have valuable ideas and suggestions to make their lives and the lives of others better.
The Julia Reserve Youth Precinct in Oran Park is a space for young people, designed by young people, supported by Camden City Council. It includes a state-of-the-art skate park, basketball courts, parkour training area and youth community centre.
The one-stop space is for local young people aged 12-24 years, and hosts a drop-in service as a soft entry point for referrals to specialised programs to support young people with their needs through case-management, counselling and employment support.
This case study highlights how including young people in the design and development of spaces and services, fosters genuine engagement, participation and belonging.
Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Youth Council is made up of 25 young people aged 16-25 years. The Youth Council provides advice and feedback to guide and shape health services, systems and strategies to engage, educate and service young people in Western Sydney.
The Youth Council facilitates consultations with other young people and work with WSLHD executives to share recommendations and develop health promotion content.
This case study highlights how including young people in health service planning and promotion improves service delivery, increases health literacy and delivers better outcomes.
The YMCA have been running a NSW Youth Parliament program for several years. This program allows young people from across the state to participate in an annual program that emulates NSW Parliament.
Members represent their region to debate and make recommendations on policy. These recommendations are then presented to members of the current government.
Coonamble High School is located in remote NSW. The school has developed several student participation programs which empower students by giving them ownership over their school environment and the outcomes of projects.
Coonamble High School has experienced an increase in student engagement as a result of their participation program.
LeaderLife is grassroots organisation in Dubbo dedicated to supporting children and young people who are at risk of falling through the cracks. LeaderLife supports children and young people aged 5–25 with a focus on community-based early intervention and prevention, delivering innovative, evidence-based diversionary and therapeutic programs. Their work creates meaningful opportunities for young people to build skills, connect with others, and actively engage in their community.
P: 02 9248 0970
NSW Advocate for Children and Young People
Ground Floor, 219-241 Cleveland Street, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012
NSW Advocate for Children and Young People
Locked Bag 5000, PARRAMATTA NSW 2124
The Advocate for Children and Young People is under the DCJ ABN 36 433 875 185.
P: 02 9248 0943 or 0439 346 249
Receive updates and invitations from the Advocate
We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the First Nations Peoples of NSW and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and future.
Informed by lessons of the past, ACYP is improving how we work with Aboriginal people and communities. We listen and learn from the knowledge, strength and resilience of Stolen Generations Survivors, Aboriginal Elders and Aboriginal communities.
