Carla Garlatti, the Authority for the Protection of Children and Adolescents, has highlighted a concerning issue in Italy – young people do not feel involved in decision-making processes, especially at the political level. A study conducted on a sample of 72 student representatives revealed that only 18.3% feel somewhat or very involved in institutional decisions. This lack of engagement is even more pronounced among a sample of 107 young people aged 14 to 17 involved in the Third Sector or other forms of civic participation, with only 28.3% feeling involved.
In response to these findings, Carla Garlatti presented a study and proposal document titled „Girls, Boys, and Adults in Participatory Processes: Practices and Strategies.“ The document contains a series of recommendations, with the first directed towards the political sphere. Garlatti suggests the introduction of a law mandating the consultation of minors as a mandatory step in the adoption of administrative and regulatory acts that directly or indirectly affect them. She also advocates for giving minors the power to initiate and propose measures in relevant matters.
The Authority calls on ministries responsible for childhood and adolescence, as well as regions, to promote adequate spaces for information, participation, listening, and consultation. Garlatti emphasizes the importance of recognizing and showcasing existing good practices in the country to create a system that allows young people to feel actively involved in various contexts, from school to sports, from associations to family life.
Families are also urged to value and ensure the listening and participation of minor children in every decision that concerns them. Often, young people feel unheard because adults consider them lacking the necessary understanding due to their age. The Authority also highlights the importance of listening to and involving unaccompanied minor immigrants, urging local authorities and the third sector to provide safe and suitable socialization spaces outside of reception centers.
The study and proposal document can be downloaded from the Authority’s website under the Documents and Regulations > Publications section. The presentation in Rome was attended by Carla Garlatti, Gianfranco Costanzo, Anna Rosa Favretto, a sociology professor at the University of Turin, and Arianna Saulini, coordinator of the CRC Group. The event was moderated by Donata Bianchi, the Research and Monitoring Manager at the Institute of the Innocents.
Carla Garlatti’s advocacy for the active participation of young people in decision-making processes is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and democratic society. By listening to and involving minors in matters that affect them, we can create a more equitable and empowering environment for the next generation.