there is an overall child and youth strategy

 

child and youth friendly policies are clearly defined in official community plans

 

bylaws and zoning regulations address the needs of children and youth

child, youth and/or family advisory committees are brought in front of Council

 

a children’s charter is created by children and youth

 

a children’s charter is endorsed by local governments and local organizations

 

National Child Day and Youth Week are endorsed

 

local government champions the uptake of child and youth friendly initiatives into policy and policy frameworks at all levels of government

 

elected officials regularly experience the lives of children and youth (e.g., by spending time at schools or recreation settings or with street youth)

 

elected officials regularly talk with groups of children and youth

 

there are regular reports on progress towards upholding children’s rights that include statistics, programs, and impacts

 

there are regular reports on progress towards upholding children’s rights that are used in Canada’s periodic review on the Convention on the Rights of the Child

 

local government bodies have mechanisms, staff and procedures for receiving advice from children and youth on children or youth related issues

 

local government bodies have mechanisms staff and procedures for receiving advice from children and youth on general community issues

 

there are processes for children, youth, and adult allies are in place to take issues to local government for a fair hearing and to be heard on a variety of issues, especially those affecting children and youth

 

there are innovative outreach strategies to ensure that marginalized children have opportunities for active participation

 

non-formal methods of child and youth input such as participatory action research and community asset mapping are used

 

experiential learning methods are used to engage children and youth at a level suitable to their evolving capacity

 

programming is welcoming to children and youth of all backgrounds, and takes place in spaces that children and youth feel comfortable (such as areas where children and youth are often present)

 

roles are clear for children, youth, and adult allies that foster trust

 

there is a shared decision-making power where possible and appropriate

the council hosts awards that recognizes the accomplishments of children and youth

 

the council hosts awards that recognize those serving children and youth

child and youth volunteer opportunities and peer education programs are offered

 

peer education programs are offered

 

positive images of local young people are promoted that involve meaningful engagement in their community

 

there is an identification and promotion of the expertise and knowledge of children and youth at the regional, national and international governmental level

 

educational material and programs for children and youth on civics are provided

 

educational material and programs for children and youth on child and human rights are provided

 

adults are trained to work with children and youth to support their involvement in policy deliberations and development, as well as program delivery

there is a high capacity for children and youth to progress  towards larger leadership roles

 

regular invitations for school classes and youth groups are offered that allow them to observe local government in action

 

there are programs and funding support for children and youth in their right to safety, health, participation, and to be themselves free from all forms of discrimination