A practical guide to help Australian government officials ensure children’s perspectives are meaningfully included in the development of policies and programs that affect them, particularly in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings, and outside school hours care (OSHC) contexts. 

Children’s meaningful engagement and participation in decisions relevant to their lives has wide ranging societal benefits. Facilitating children’s engagement and participation enables children to provide insights and perspectives that can be otherwise overlooked, thereby strengthening policy and service delivery in ways that are responsive to children’s needs, interests, concerns and aspirations.

The framework has best practice guidance on:

• how and when to consult with children
• consulting with children from diverse backgrounds and those experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage
• considerations for safe and inclusive consultations.

The framework is intended to complement existing government stakeholder engagement mechanisms. It is an optional tool to support government agencies in policy and program development. Although the framework has an ECEC focus, it can help all government agencies to include children's perspectives when considering matters relating to children aged 0 to 12. Non-government organisations may also find it valuable when planning or undertaking consultations with children.

It is provided with an analysis paper.