What we do
NICCY's legislation requires that we encourage children and young people to participate - this means having a say in the decisions that affect their lives; having a say in day-to-day activities such as school; and, having a say in society in general.
The work of the Participation Team is based on what the NICCY Order says we can, and should, do. This includes:
- to explore and develop opportunities to expand participation on a more strategic level, influencing and encouraging good participative practice
- raising Children and Young People's awareness of NICCY and their rights through the UNCRC
- supporting the Commissioner's youth panel and developing its role
- ensuring, as far as practicable, that the services of the Commissioner are accessible to children and young people in the locality close to where they live
- developing and delivering a creative participation outreach programme for children and young people
- supporting the process of seeking views of children and young people and parents / guardians to support the Commissioner in the exercise of her functions
- working closely with all staff within NICCY to promote involvement, provide advice and support on participation issues
- assisting in the interpretation of youth policy and research findings for children and young people
Benefits of Participation
NICCY has also campaigned for respect for children's views by our involvement in the following legal cases in which NICCY raised the legal profile of Article 12 UNCRC and the recognition of children and young people's rights under the UNCRC:
- An Application for Judicial Review By The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People [2007] NIQB 115; [2009] NICA 10: A challenge of the lawfulness of the defence of "physical punishment" of children and young people
- Re E (a child)[2008] UKHL 66: The right of children and young people to be protected from inhumane and degrading treatment under Article 3 of the ECHR;
- An Application by Robert McMillen, Chairman of the Board of Governors of Ballyclare High School, for Judicial Review [2008] NIQB 21: Article 12 UNCRC, the right of a child to have their views heard on all decisions affecting them
Also, when Legal team contacts relevant authorities, we constantly refer to the need for consultation with young people and their right to participate regarding decisions which affect them and their Article 12 right