Listening to and acting on the voices of children and young people is critical to providing policies, programs and services that are safe, effective, connected and person-centred.
Client voice
The Client voice framework for community services (2019) sets the vision for how the department and the community services sector seeks, listens to and acts on the client voice. This includes listening to and acting on the voices of children and young people.
Children and young people have unique and valuable insights, knowledge and skills. When we design, implement and evaluate services, policies and programs with children and young people, they are more likely to be safe, effective, connected and person-centred. This means better outcomes for children, families and the wider community.
Young voices
Young voices is an extension of the Client voice framework. It offers guidance, information and tools to support safe and meaningful child and youth participation.
Young voices supports organisations and staff to:
- plan how to engage with children and young people
- understand the principles and important things to think about
- run participation activities – from consultation to co-design
- see examples of good practice through case studies and lessons learned.
To access the suite of resources, visit Young Voices on vic.gov.au.