Young People’s Participation and Mental Health
A protocol for practitioners
About
The idea for this protocol emerged from discussions among practitioners and young people about the need for greater consideration of young people’s mental health and psychosocial well-being when planning, implementing and monitoring participation processes. This resource is intended to encourage reflection and critical thinking around how to do one’s best in terms of ensuring the safe and meaningful participation of young people while also protecting their mental health and helping to put safeguarding systems and supports in place. Discussion and actions around participation, mental health and psychosocial well-being, and safeguarding are complex. There is no one-size-fits-all programming approach. Careful consideration of the context and young people’s best interests is required.
The protocol was designed by Claire O’Kane (consultant) and Marcy Levy (UNICEF, Adolescent Development and Participation section) in close collaboration with youth representatives, UNICEF staff, and staff from external agencies. Each of these groups provided crucial insights to inform the design and refinement of the protocol. We are especially grateful for the insights and feedback shared by youth representatives that have shaped and enriched the protocol. Thank you to Renad Al Qurani, Ali Amirkafi, Chantelle Booysen, Alejandro Daly, Lucy Fagan, Vinicius Gaby, Grace Gatera, Daniela Gordan, Camila Rossi Ghuisolfi, David Henry, Gabriel Heredia, Fortunate Lekhuleni, Nesmah Mohammed Alsameai, Antonio Andrés Pitura Largaespada, Mitha Pradnya, Rana Taher, Satvik Sethi, Daniela Segura Amores, Margianta Surahman, Emmanuel Wetnhiak, Lian Zeitz, Yves Miel Zuñiga, and Mohammed Amin Zurak
