Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)

This article states that children have the right to have their say in matters which affect their lives. It encourages adults to listen to the wishes of children and involve them in decision-making [4].

The Mental Health Strategy 2011 ‘No Health Without Mental Health’

This strategy makes clear that people should plan their own route to recovery supported by staff who help them to identify outcomes that matter to them.

There is an emphasis on the ‘patient’s voice’ throughout and a focus on challenging stigma [6].

The Health and Social Care Act 2012

This act outlines the duties of the NHS Commissioning Board and Clinical Commissioning Groups to promote the involvement of the patient and their carers in decisions about their own care [5].

CYP IAPT (children and young people’s improving access to psychological therapies) service transformation programme

This programme has a large emphasis on participation. It requires services to show that they are embedding systems of youth involvement and shared decision-making within personal care plans as well as in relation to operational systems and strategic development [7].