CYSCP

Our vision

Every conversation starts with the child or young person. We pledge to work together with young people to ensure their voices are heard, valued and acted upon.

What we mean by ‘Voice’

The ‘voice’ of children must not be limited to spoken words but include supporting and engaging children and young people to express themselves in ways that work best for them. This means actively engaging those who are pre-verbal, non-verbal, or who communicate through alternative methods, ensuring everyone has a ‘voice’.

Children’s Rights

Strengthening safeguarding through rights-based practice.

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 promotes a child centred approach to safeguarding, and is clear that practitioners should keep the child in focus when making decisions about their lives and work in partnership with them and their families. Anyone working with children should see and speak to the child, listen to what they say, take their views seriously, and work with them and their families collaboratively when deciding how to support their needs.

Children’s Rights and Involvement Strategy

The CYSCP has developed a Children’s Rights and Involvement Strategy, which outlines involvement opportunities for everyone involved with safeguarding children in the City of York, plus the approach they use to involve and engage children and young people.

Everyone in York has a responsibility to support children and young people to realise their rights and to be heard.

The United Nations Convention on Rights of the Child

When we refer to children’s rights we mean so in relation to the United Nations Convention on Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is a powerful framework that recognises children and young people as rights holders, not just dependents. It affirms their right to express their views and have those views taken seriously, particularly in decisions that affect their lives.

Article 12 of the UNCRC emphasizes that children and young people’s opinions must be heard and considered, ensuring their participation in all matters, from personal decisions to policy-making. This approach underscores the importance of empowering children to have a voice and be active contributors to their own wellbeing and development.