Where to Go from Here

A child's right to participation is one of the guiding principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. However, this is a right that is often not awarded to children in many spheres of their lives. Despite the recognition that children should be involved in decision making about their care, this is not prioritized within health and other related services offered to children. The literature on this topic has grown over the past few years, yet we still have to consider ways of improving participation by children who are often on the margins of society, namely children with disabilities and those from 'hard to reach' communities. This review aims to stimulate further discussion and inquiry on this topic, as well as to encourage service providers working with children and families to share examples of best practice from which we all can learn.