Participation and Engagement of Armed Forces Children & Young People

All children and young people have the right to have their opinions listened to and taken seriously in all matters affecting them (Article 12, UNCRC).

Given the unique context of Armed Forces life, it is worrying that evidence suggests the voices of Armed Forces children and young people are often overlooked.

We aim to take a children’s rights based approach to all aspects of our work from policy to service planning and delivery. At the heart of this is our commitment to facilitating, supporting and promoting the meaningful participation and engagement of Armed Forces children and young people through our Youth Participation Project. We strive to reflect the voices and experiences of the children and young people we engage with in all aspects of our work.

We would like to see:

  • Those working in policy and practice routinely engaging in direct consultation with Armed Forces children and young people.
  • Those working in policy and practice putting the voices of Armed Forces children and young people at the core of their work in matters affecting them.