Participation of Young Carers and Children Acting as Next of Kin in Europe: Between Consultation and Co-Decision-Making

A study conducted as part of the Our Voices project by researchers Prof. Dr. Valentina Hlebec, Asst. Prof. Miriam Hurtado Monarres, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Tjaša Potočnik from the Centre for Welfare Studies UL FDV, in collaboration with project partners, examines the mechanisms and levels of their participation in Europe.

Young carers are individuals under the age of 18 who care for a family member or another close person, or who provide them with assistance and support. Children in the role of the closest relative are the closest living family members of the person to whom a given situation pertains. As a result, in certain circumstances, they may be involved in decision-making or co-decision-making regarding legal, health, or other important matters, particularly when there is no other authorized representative or pre-established instructions

The study’s findings show that while various formal mechanisms for inclusion do exist, significant differences remain across countries and sectors. Children’s participation is most often limited to consultation: they can express their opinions, but adults retain control over the process and the final decisions. Collaborative approaches, in which children are involved as partners, are less common, and child-led participation is rare.

Read the full research on the link.

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The project is following next sustainable goals: SDG- 3 Good health and well-being and SDG-10 Reduced inequalities  

Photo: Jayden Becker (corelens), Canva