Advances and challenges in participatory research with vulnerable children in Ireland

Abstract

This year signals the 20th anniversary of the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in Ireland. In this time period conceptions of childhood have developed from viewing the child as a passive recipient of decisions imposed upon them by adults, to the recognition of the importance of children's perspectives on, and participation in issues that affect their lives. Consequently, there is now a growing body of literature demonstrating how participatory research approaches are relevant with children who are considered to be ‘vulnerable’. The term ‘vulnerable’ refers to a diverse group of children, including those in care or involved in the juvenile justice system, those experiencing poverty, or children with additional needs requirements, and the level of physical, psychological or social risk that each child faces can vary substantially. Participatory methods have been advocated as a conduit for conveying the wealth of children's experiences and helping to bring their opinions to public notice. Through consideration of the progress made in the area of participatory research with vulnerable children, in tandem with some of challenges associated with this research, it is hoped that the participatory research agenda with vulnerable children can be further encouraged and promoted.

Keywords:

• vulnerable children
• children's rights
• participatory research