Abstract

The right of every child to be heard and to have his or her views considered in matters that affect him or her is particularly relevant for children living in residential care. Several international studies have pointed out the importance of participatory processes for this particularly vulnerable and excluded group, due to the effects that child participation has on the mental health and well-being of children living in residential care. However, the implementation of this right still depends on the different guidelines of psychosocial programmes and the criteria of each judge, and therefore in many countries is yet far from guaranteed in practice. This research explored the views of children aged 06-10 years in residential care in Chile on their levels of participation in decision-making about their own lives. A qualitative design with graphic methods was used, using traffic light and collage techniques. The main results show adults as main actors in decision making, as well as the importance given by children to participate in decisions both at the level of structural decisions regarding their care and the more routine decisions of their daily lives. At the same time, the central limitations they perceive in these processes are identified, showing the shortcomings of the child protection system in ensuring children's meaningful participation. Recommendations for the practice of residential programmes and public policies are discussed.