An exploration of children and young people's involvement in decision-making and of the skills linked to high-level participation : co-researching with children and young people from participation groups in one local authority.

This research examined the nature of participation and involvement of children
and young people in decision-making processes, both within participation
groups and also as co-researchers. The research explored whether children and
young people's decision-making in participation groups was 'tokenistic' or
'active,' through examining the nature and level of decision-making. Skills linked
to eo-research and decision-making in participation groups were identified by
participants.
The research was located in a Social Constructionist Framework. A case study
methodology was used with an 'embedded single case' design. Interviews were
the key methods used and the phased data collection involved four participation
groups. The Participatory Research Approach involved co-researchers in the
design, interviews and analysis.
The method of analysis involved combining Boyatzis's (1998) Thematic Analysis
approach with Attride-Stirling's (2001) Thematic Networks. A number of themes
were identified which are further discussed in terms of the literature reviewed.
Global themes were 'Decision-Making and Power', 'Inclusion and Equity' and
'Skill Development'.
The research identified features for high-level of involvement in decision-
making, as reported by the children and young people in participation groups
and in the research. Transfer of decision-making to other children and young
people was a development area and supportive of inclusion. Key skills linked to
research involvement were similar to skills related to high-level participation.
Practice suggestions include embedding high-level youth decision-making within
Education and Educational Psychology practice.