Participation Mechanisms and Practices in
catalonia
Welcome to the Kairós Hub's Good Practice Showcase. This is a dynamic space, designed as a starting point to showcase and connect participation initiatives for children and young people in Catalonia.
The Inclusive Child Participation Networks (ICPN) project is focusing its initial pilot in Catalonia due to the region's robust structures and our collaboration with key partners, such as the Secretariat for Children, Adolescents and Youth* and the CNIAC. The mechanisms listed here represent an initial mapping that will serve as a foundation for a more in-depth process.
We are guided by the principle of co-creation: from September onwards, this space will be shaped by the active participation of children and young people to build together a relevant, useful, and inclusive resource for the entire network.
institutional - regional level
Consell Nacional dels Infants i Adolescents de Catalunya (CNIAC)
The highest-level advisory and participation body for children in Catalonia, created in 2013. It is composed of representatives aged 8 to 17 from local councils across Catalonia. Its function is to offer institutional recognition and direct access to policymakers to influence public policy.
Consell Assessor Jove del Síndic de Greuges de Catalunya (CAJ)
Active since 2006-2007, it is composed of adolescents aged 14 to 17 who advise the Sídic de Greujes (the Catalan Ombudsman) on children's rights issues, incorporating the youth perspective into its reports and recommendations.
institutional - local level
The following is a provisional selection of just some of the existing local councils, chosen for their established presence, outstanding participatory practices, and potential for inclusion.
Consell Nacional dels Infants i Adolescents de Catalunya (CNIAC)
Stands out for its high level of representation, excellent organisation, and a notable capacity for impact, with the mayor responding directly to its proposals.
Plenari d'Infants i Adolescents de Lleida
Excels due to its decentralised, district-based model, professional facilitation, and strong investment in training and resources.
Consell Municipal d'Infància i Adolescència de Terrassa
A pioneer since 1999, it has consistently influenced urban planning and local campaigns, with strong institutional support.
Consell d'Infants del Prat de Llobregat
A pioneer since 1999, it has consistently influenced urban planning and local campaigns, with strong institutional support.
Consell Municipal d'Infants de Reus
With 25 years of activity, it involves a hundred students from all local schools in annual projects, standing out for its communication and accountability.
Consell d'Infants de Sabadell
Composed of children and young people chosen by lottery, it has demonstrated the capacity to develop its own projects with local impact, such as community murals for inclusion.
Consell d'Infants de Sant Cugat del Vallès
Notable for its weekend retreats for team-building and planning, and for impactful projects such as raising awareness about racism.
Consell de niños y niñas de L'Hospitalet de Llobregat
Has broad representation with 104 councillors aged 10 to 16, and has a significant budget and a local television programme.
Consell d'Infants de Cornellà de Llobregat
Recognised as a Child-Friendly City, its members influence the design of school routes and city parks.
Consell dels Infants de Sant Feliu de Llobregat
A pioneer in Catalonia (since 1996) and recognised by UNICEF. It has demonstrated sustained influence on local policies, especially in urban planning, the environment, and children's rights.
Consell d'Infants de Castelldefels
They have driven initiatives with autonomy and impact, such as the 'lilac commissions' for gender equality, supported by municipal resources.
Other relevant initiatives
Altaveu d'Infants de Barcelona
An innovative process that consulted 5,000 children and young people in Barcelona and culminated in the 'Agenda dels Infants' (Children's Agenda). Its participants and learnings are now a key part of the co-creation process for the new permanent Barcelona Children's Council.
Consell jovenes i famílas hospital sant joan de déu
The youth and family councils, made up of mothers, fathers, and young patients, actively collaborate to improve hospital care and adapt it to their needs.
Plataforma de Infancia (PICAT)
An organisation that, through strategies like 'La Infancia Opina' (Childhood Opinion) and 'Cibercorresponsales' (Cyber-correspondents), actively promotes the participation of children and young people so that their voices and demands regarding their rights are integrated into public policy.