Presentation – CVC2026-649

Children as partners in practice: Co‑designed resources for participation, feedback, and shared decision‑making

Kylie Matusewicz, Noah’s Ark Inc., Australia

Background: Despite growing recognition of children’s rights in therapy and support settings, many children do not fully understand their rights, how to participate in decision‑making, or how to give feedback or raise concerns. Child‑friendly, co‑designed resources can help address this gap and support rights‑based, child‑safe practice.

Aim: This project developed a suite of accessible resources to strengthen children’s understanding of their rights, support active participation in therapy and services, and build confidence in providing feedback.

Method/approach: A participatory co‑design approach guided development. Children and young people contributed through inclusive, developmentally appropriate creative, visual and paper‑based activities with flexible participation supports. Input across developmental stages ensured resources were meaningful, accessible, and relevant. Delivered as a service improvement initiative funded by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, formal human research ethics approval was not required. Strong safeguarding practices included informed caregiver consent, child assent, voluntary participation, and child‑safe, trauma‑informed principles.

Results/findings: The process informed the development of a suite of child‑friendly resources, including posters, handouts, conversation prompts, simple online games, an animated recording, and a social story. Companion resources were also developed for caregivers to support children’s participation where direct access may be limited.

Conclusion: Embedding children’s perspectives in resource design supports the development of materials that are meaningful, accessible, and relevant to children’s experiences. Co-design approaches strengthen the relevance and usability of resources across diverse developmental and communication needs.

Implications for children and families: These resources support children to understand and exercise their rights, participate confidently in services, and raise concerns. Families are provided with practical strategies to support their child’s voice.

Implications for practitioners: Practitioners gain tools to promote participation, transparent communication, and child‑centred, rights‑based practice.

Funding: This work was supported by a grant from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Keywords: children’s rights, child voice and participation, co‑design, child agency, rights‑based practice, child‑friendly resources, family‑centred practice

This presentation relates to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: