Children’s Participation in Decisions about Parenting Arrangements

Abstract

This chapter explores the different ways that children can participate in custody and child protection cases. It is not only articulate older children and young people who ought to have an input into decisions. Children can “speak” in a variety of ways, and not only through words. To allow them to participate effectively, adults need to assist them through “scaffolding” their participation. Hearing the voice of the child also involves dilemmas. Children may not want to be involved for a variety of different reasons, some of which they may not feel free to disclose. The chapter concludes by offering four principles about how to hear from children in cases involving parenting arrangements.