Engaging Children in Decision Making: A Guide for Consulting Children

Engaging Children in Decision Making – A Guide for Consulting Children (the Guide) was first developed in 2013 as a collaboration of the Cities of Maribyrnong, Melton, Brimbank, Wyndham, and Ballarat.

The Guide affirms the importance of including the voices of children in the planning, design and evaluation of strategies, environments, and programs.

The Guide also outlines a range of opportunities to engage with children and issues to consider as part of best practice.

In 2023, the above councils have once again collaborated to refresh the Guide so that it remains well-placed to support organisations and promote consultation with children.

The document has been updated to include:

• Victoria’s Child Safe Standards that came into effect from July 2022.
• The Department of Education Best Start Guidelines 2022.
• Evidence and best practice examples from the period 2013- 2023.

The Guide can be viewed and downloaded below.