Participation Works

We have archived the key policy documents which relate to children and young people’s participation issued by the Government between 1997 and 2010.

Every Child Matters (823 KB PDF)
Every Child Matters was a 2003 green paper detailing the government’s overarching strategy to improve the well-being of children and young people. It led to the Children Act 2004.

The Act requires local authorities and other statutory agencies to co-operate to ensure that all children and young people achieve five outcomes. Children and young people should:

• Be healthy
• Stay safe
• Enjoy and achieve
• Make a positive contribution
• Achieve economic well-being.

The Government maintained a specific website which detailed its approach to children and young people’s participation.

Learning to Listen: Core Principles for the Involvement of Children and Young People (523 KB PDF)
In 2004, the Government set out its core principles for children and young people's participation in the planning, delivery and evaluation of policies and services. Alongside the principles it required Government departments to develop and implement annual action plans on children and young people’s participation.

Youth Matters (338 KB PDF)
A 2005 green paper which set out the Government’s vision for youth services and support for young people. The paper introduced the Youth Opportunity Fund. This was followed up by the Youth Matters: Next Steps. (456 KB PDF)

Aiming high for young people: a ten year strategy for positive activities (756 KB PDF)
Published in 2007, the strategy sets out the Government’s aspirations for what youth services should achieve over the next 10 years and identifies priorities for spending unclaimed assets. A chapter on empowerment is included.

Care Matters: Transforming the Lives of Children and Young People in Care (544 KB PDF)
A 2007 Green Paper which set out the Government’s planned reforms for children in care. The documents included commitments to set up Children in Care Councils.

Young People Leading Change (1.28 MB PDF)
Policy paper which outlined the Government’s approach to supporting and youth leadership, published in 2008. The paper led to the development of The Youth of Today.