Child Empowerment Theory

The participation of children has become an important issue in legislation and political programs internationally. For example, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child has been ratified by 191 nations, that is, every country except the United States and Somalia. The convention states that children have the rights to freedom of speech and to participation in decision-making processes that are relevant to their lives. In Norway, the child’s right to participate has been enshrined in the Children Act, the Child Welfare Act, programs for school and day care, and children’s citizen projects in municipalities.

The discourse on children’s participation appeared in the preparation of the CRC, and it was not without discussion. Many

Children and families cannot participate actively unless they are empowered. Empowerment emphasizes strength and capacities.

Child perspective, this means a child friendly perspective that is informed by new approaches to the study and analysis of children and childhood (James and Prout 1990). Child must in all circumstances be seen as individuals with same rights and interests and should be given an open platform just as adults to express their views as stipulated in the convention the rights of the child (Article 4 of CRC). Children and youth regardless of social status must receive recognition from social workers and parents.

Ecological systems theory, this rests on evolutionary and adaptive view of human beings in a continuous interaction within the environment. Accommodation happens when a person interacts with the environment to ensure a goodness in a fit(Germaine 1979). It always create a niche and whenever a person or environment is changed, in most cases the survival is dependent upon a

Children are now more often actively involved in FGCs (Ryan 2004).Children must be supported by a family member or family supporter. Professional advocate meet with the child before the conference, attend the conference and may spend some time in the private family stage of the meeting which is not normally attended by professionals. Child protection services in Norway, New Zealand and other countries follow the same procedures while using family group conference while practicing and this is discussed as below;

Referral, Professionals in the child protection service or the child may request for the conference. The referrer is important in the success of family group conference. He/she must clarify reasons for referral, expectations, roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders and how the referrer and coordinator will work.

Preparation, the coordinator organizes the meeting in conjunction with the child or young persons, parents and family members. The coordinator must identify members in the family network for the child.
Coordinator discusses with the child or young person on how he/she will participate in the family group conference and whether they need a support