Using a qualitative case study approach, these consultations were documented through observations, interviews, artefact collection and document analyses, allowing the authors to construct a framework for engaging children as citizens that is transferable to a variety of settings.
Chapters provide:
• an insight into the various aspects involved in children’s consultations from conceptualizing and planning consultations with young children, to implementation and documentation, through to the uptake and consequence of children’s messages;
• factors that contribute to the effectiveness of consultations, challenges that arise, and areas for improvement when engaging with children’s voices;
• implications for children’s participation as valued citizens and a framework for considering young children’s voices in decision-making processes.
This book offers fresh ideas for working with young children in the decision making process and will appeal to early childhood researchers, educators, policymakers and practitioners across various sectors, agencies and disciplines.
Pauline Harris is the Lillian de Lissa Chair, Early Childhood (Research) at the University of South Australia, in partnership with the South Australian Department for Education and Childhood Development, Australia.
Harry Manatakis is Principal Policy Adviser for the South Australian Department for Education and Child Development, Australia.