What is the project?

The European Union/Council of Europe Joint Project “CP4EUROPE - Strengthening National Child Participation Frameworks and Action in Europe” aims to contribute to the promotion of children’s rights to participation at national and pan-European levels in accordance with Council of Europe standards and tools in this area. 

These include in particular the Council of Europe Child Participation Assessment Tool (CPAT) which has already been used in 10 countries and the Handbook on children’s participation for professionals working with and for children. The main expected impact of the project is that children across Europe find multiple and innovative opportunities to participate in decision-making processes through stronger child participation mechanisms.

It is implemented over 24 months (01 April 2021- 31 March 2023) in 5 partner countries: the Czech Republic, Iceland, Portugal, Slovenia and Finland, and at the European level. Deliverables at the national level will include national assessments of national mechanisms, the development of model national strategies, handbooks, checklists and training materials aimed at building capacities on collective and individual child participation. All partners of the project will support the establishment of a “Child participation leadership network”, to benefit from mutual peer support to address the challenges of child participation in various challenges.

 Project leaflet

 What is child participation?

Child participation is a key right!

Child participation means that children, any person under the age of 18 years old, individually or in groups, have the right, the means, the space, the opportunity and, where necessary, the support to freely express their views, to be heard and to contribute to decision making on matters affecting them. Their views should be given due weight in accordance with their age and maturity.

Child participation is an opportunity to listen to children, to take into account their views and opinions and to involve and engage them in the processes that lead to decisions that affect them.

 Who will benefit from the project?

The project targets national and local authorities, civil organisations as well as professionals who are in direct contact with children and/or deal with decisions that can affect children.

Ultimately, the project aims to benefit all children, so that they are sufficiently equipped and protected to be heard and to participate effectively in decision-making mechanisms and processes at national and local levels.