5.4. The Right to Be Heard (Respect for the Views of the Child) When adults are making decisions that affect children, children have the right to say what they think should happen and have their opinions taken into account. This Convention encourages adults to listen to the opinions of children and involve them in decision-making, especially in matters that affects their lives. Every young person has his her opinion and has the right to express it freely. Children can also have associations and form groups as a forum to express their opinions. Their opinions are to be communicated to the local authority because they have aright to be heard. The local authority is obliged to implement the opinions if it is in the best interests of the young. When the local authority implements their opinions, the children have to be included in the governance of the local community (Art. 12-13 of UNCRC). Respecting the views of the young at risk and making them participate in planning, implementing and reviewing the matters that affect them is inherent in Don Bosco’s Preventive System.
