Report summary with How to measure the scope, quality and outcomes of children's participation by Save the Children - 2014

Introduction

Save the Children's (2014) report highlights the importance of measuring children's participation but acknowledges the lack of established frameworks. It proposes a multi-dimensional approach to assess the scope, quality, and outcomes of children's involvement in decision-making processes.

Methodology

The report employs a mixed-methods approach, combining:

• Desktop review: Analyzing existing literature and frameworks on participation measurement.
• Case studies: Examining diverse participation initiatives in different countries and contexts.
• Expert consultations: Gathering insights from practitioners and researchers working on child participation.

Results

• Scope: Measuring the extent and types of participation across different levels (individual, group, community) and sectors (education, health, governance).
• Quality: Assessing the meaningfulness and effectiveness of participation, including power dynamics, child-centeredness, and impact on decision-making.
• Outcomes: Evaluating the changes and impacts resulting from children's participation, such as improved well-being, increased skills, and policy changes.

Conclusion

The report emphasizes the need for context-specific and flexible approaches to measurement, considering the unique challenges and opportunities in different contexts. It highlights the importance of participatory methods, involving children themselves in the measurement process.

Discussion

• Limitations: Acknowledges the complexity of measuring participation, particularly intangible aspects like empowerment and long-term impacts.
• Future directions: Calls for further development of tools and frameworks, capacity building for practitioners, and sharing good practices in measuring children's participation.
• Implications: This report encourages policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to adopt a more comprehensive approach to measuring children's participation, informing program design, monitoring progress, and demonstrating the value of children's involvement.

Overall

Save the Children's report provides a valuable framework for understanding and measuring the multifaceted nature of children's participation. By advocating for a multi-dimensional approach and participatory methods, it contributes to ongoing efforts to strengthen the quality and impact of children's involvement in decision-making across diverse contexts.