Participation of infants (0-3) in youth services through cross-sectoral cocreation

1. In short

How do you shape participation for children aged 0 to 3, who have limited verbal expression? This practice-oriented research builds on the Erasmus+ project Panda (2020–2023) and focuses on the participation of infants within youth care. We develop a vision and a framework that makes the voice of these young children visible, in collaboration with professionals from childcare, youth care and healthcare.

2. The need and relevance

Although every child has the right to participation, research and practice show that infants systematically remain underexposed. The Panda project brought this dual need to light. Various sectors show attention for this target group, but are looking for support to be able to work truly responsively and participatively. This project ties in with the policy document Early and nearby (Opgroeien, 2021), in which the first 1000 days are recognized as a vulnerable and decisive phase of life.

3. From approach to impact

We combine source research with interviews with professionals from various sectors. From a dialogical approach to communication, we develop a vision and framework that help understand and respond to non-verbal signals from young children. This project contributes to knowledge development and to an integrated practice in which the right to participation – also for the youngest children – is made concrete and feasible.

4. Cross-sectoral attention for the youngest children

In various sectors within Welfare, Public Health and Family, the attention for infants (0–3 years) is growing. Although the interests of the child are central everywhere, a clear vision on the participation of this youngest target group is often lacking. Each sector starts from a different angle, with varying attention for the participation and involvement of the young child.
This PWO project is in line with the policy trend in which attention is paid to the very youngest and in which the first 1000 days are recognized as an important period that requires an integrated approach, in which the needs of the child and family are central. Various sectors are already taking steps in the right direction today, each from their own angle. With this research we want to build bridges between these sectors and work together towards a shared vision on the participation of the very youngest.