A qualitative study on mechanisms supporting meaningful child participation in Turkey: Policy analysis and proposed solutions

In this study, the existence and function of child participation mechanisms in Turkey have been investigated within the concept of the individual, family, and social systems. The relationship between the meaning of child participation by adults and the opportunities offered to children has also been examined. In the study, participatory practices have been in the center of proposed solutions. With this study, it is aimed to analyze the mechanisms created to ensure child participation in Turkey in a multidimensional manner and to analyze them at the political level, and develop solution proposals based on the needs and deficiencies of the system. In the theoretical basis of the study; titles of the development of the understanding of childhood, the history of children's rights, the right to participation, participation models, participation mechanisms, social work with children, and the importance of child participation, together with the participation mechanisms created in Turkey are included. This study is designed in a qualitative method. Data are obtained using expert interview techniques with semi-structured interview forms per the program/policy evaluation studies. Participants are selected on a voluntary basis from social workers, psychologists, teachers, and civil society workers working in the field of children's rights, who worked or worked in the field of child participation. Accordingly, 15 participants were interviewed During the analysis of data, QSR Nvivo 10 program is used. Data gathered from the participants are interpreted with the content analysis method by creating certain concepts and themes. Findings of the study are gathered under the titles which were covered in the theoretical basis part. In the last chapter, the conclusion and recommendations are included within these titles. As a result of this study, it is tried to contribute to the literature which has limited research on child participation mechanisms. This study will shed light on children's rights, one of the most essential working groups and subjects of social work, and child participation and it is believed that this research will be a guide for all institution personnel working with and working with children, especially decision-makers. Within the scope of this study, it has been found that there are no meaningful child participation mechanisms in Turkey and proposed actions have been opened for the discussion within the scope of the individual, family and social dimensions, child participation mechanisms, social work with children and were brought to the attention of policymakers, and people working in civil society and for children's rights.