Policies to enable children's voice for healthy neighbourhoods and communities: a systematic mapping review and case study. (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sullivan, Eve; Egli, Victoria; Donnellan, Niamh; Smith, Melody
• Is Part Of: Kōtuitui. Volume 16:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 18
• Page End: 44
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: Co-design -- public participation -- consultation -- healthy environments -- child-friendly neighbourhoods; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- New Zealand -- Periodicals; New Zealand periodicals; New Zealand periodicals; Social sciences; New Zealand; Periodicals; 300.99305
• DOI: 10.1080/1177083X.2020.1772325
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1177-083X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this research was to gain an understanding of child consultation in policies for healthy environments in the international evidence base, and examine national and local-level policy and processes regarding child consultation. A systematic mapping review was conducted and grey literature was sought from Aotearoa New Zealand urban and neighbourhood planning, local board, and transport authority websites. A local exemplar project (in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland City) of child engagement in policy planning was presented. Twenty-four articles met the inclusion criteria for the literature search. The literature was synthesised into three broad themes: co-design and planning processes, green space, and physical activity and body size. Despite the existence of high-level national policies, there was little regional consistency. The 'Healthy Puketāpapa' project presented provided a replicable model for high-quality, local consultation processes. Child consultation is a method through which decision-makers can respect children as citizens, and the process has been found to be beneficial to all stakeholders involved. This research provides an international perspective of literature, and a methodology that can be replicated in other countries and regions for comparability.