Taking into account Childhood at Risk in the Research Processes: Steps towards Coproduction

Abstract

According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, children and adolescents have the right to participate in all aspects of life that affect them. The importance of giving a voice and taking into account childhood is increasingly recognized. However, this participation is limited on some occasions, especially in contexts such as the child welfare system or in contexts where childhood is in a vulnerable situation or at risk. Therefore, it is necessary to promote experiences in which children and adolescents are active agents of the research. Their contribution as stakeholders gives significance to the findings and brings the research closer to the focus of the study, as well as to the agents themselves. Research should incorporate children and adolescents not only as a source of information but as main agents. This article shows some of the participatory methodologies that are used in research, in recent years, by the GRISIJ Group (Research Group for Social and Educational Interventions in Child and Youth). The examples focus on children at risk and on their right to participate in research processes on issues that affect them. Finally, some ideas are proposed to acquire a greater commitment to children's participation in these processes, especially in cases of children at risk or in the child welfare system.