All children and young people have the right to take part in making decisions that affect them, regardless of their age or support needs, in line with their evolving capacities. This right is enshrined in Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), and the importance of this right for disabled children and young people is re-emphasised in Article 3 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006).
The specific role that voice has to play in UK health and care contexts is addressed in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2010 Regulation 17,1 and the Care Quality Commission (Registration) Regulations 2009.
However, there are many barriers to disabled children and young people participating in meaningful decision-making. This resource explores some of the common barriers to participation that children and young people have identified specifically in the context of their health, care and education services, and proposes solutions.