We are pleased to announce the publication of a new scientific article developed within the OUR VOICES project: “Inclusion of young carers and children as next of kin in participation mechanisms across Europe: a rapid realist review of participation mechanisms in scientific and grey literature at European Union level and in Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, Slovenia and Sweden.”
The study was carried out as part of the first phase of the OUR VOICES project and explores how young carers and children as next of kin are included in child and youth participation mechanisms across Europe. Through a rapid realist review, the research team analysed 22 studies from the scientific literature and 99 grey literature records at EU level and across five country contexts: Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, Slovenia and Sweden.
The findings show that, while child participation frameworks exist across Europe, their implementation remains uneven. Young carers and children as next of kin are still largely invisible within existing participation structures. Participation is most often consultative, while collaborative approaches are less common and child-led participation remains rare.
The review also identifies several factors that support meaningful participation, including the involvement of trusted, empathetic and knowledgeable adults, as well as participation methods that are accessible, flexible and engaging for young people. The findings underline the importance of moving beyond consultation and creating real opportunities for children and young people to influence services, policies and decisions that affect their lives.
This research provides an important foundation for the next stages of OUR VOICES and its work to strengthen the visibility and meaningful participation of young carers and children as next of kin at local, national and European levels.
Read the full open-access article in BMC Pediatrics.