In Our Best Interests: children’s views on what matters most
'In Our Best Interests' shares what 356 children and young people told us about feeling safe and cared for, and what adults need to know to act in their best interests.
Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child says children’s best interests must be a primary consideration in all actions that affect them. But what does that look like from a child’s point of view? We asked them.
Through 375 contributions, in their own words and drawings, 356 children and young people told us what adults do that helps them feel safe, protected and properly cared for. They ranged from three-year-olds at playgroup to young people in youth services. In Our Best Interests is a practical resource for parents and caregivers, practitioners and service providers, and system leaders and decision-makers. In it, you’ll find:
- what care and safety look like to children and young people, in their own words
- five key insights into what it takes for adults to act in children’s best interests
- what matters most for parents and caregivers, for services and practitioners, and for system leaders and decision-makers, and
- how we consulted, using developmentally appropriate questions co-designed with our frontline teams and Young Advisors.
Children’s ideas are almost always small and achievable, but they can make a very big difference to their day-to-day lives and long-term wellbeing.
Five things children and young people told us
- It’s all about relationships. Care starts with trusted adults who show up consistently.
- It’s more than talk. Safe, welcomed closeness is one of the clearest ways children feel cared for.
- Making space matters. Quality time is how many children know they are safe.
- Doing for matters, doing with honours agency. Both count, but doing things together builds trust and connection.
- We’re stronger together. When adults listen, we make better decisions alongside children.
Putting it into practice
Our practice companion turns each insight into everyday actions for practitioners and service providers, with simple things to try in your next session. It’s not about doing more; it’s about showing up differently.
Our promise to children and young people
Children and young people shared their views on the promise that we would take them seriously. We’ve made two youth-friendly report-backs: one for young people and one for children in their early years. That way, participants can see what we heard and what we’re doing about it. We hope families, educators and others find them useful too.
Display the findings
Want to keep children’s voices front and centre in your workplace? The In Our Best Interests poster set brings the five key insights to life with children’s own words. The posters are ready to print and display in services, staff rooms, offices and community spaces. Explore the posters →
