However smart they are, from a social perspective children do not really count until maturity. Then all of a sudden society expects responsibility, independence and in particular, commitment. This viewpoint, shared by so many children and young people today, is the basis of much disaffection among youth. This miscalculation, and how to combat it, is the major theme of this book. The social qualities expected of young people do not come to them automatically. Children need to be guided through social experiences to develop responsibility and commitment. The most effective way to inculcate these qualities is to involve children through their active participation in their education and welfare. The book reviews the theoretical framework for participation by children and young people, and discusses fields of practice where participation is of great importance - including local youth policy, education and professional youth care. Micha de Winter is a professor of child care and in this book he draws on his many years of experience to produce a work which is authoritative, inspiring and convincing. Children as Fellow Citizens is essential reading for those involved in youth and social policy, educators and social scientists, as well as social service and health care professionals.
