What We Do
Our work spans connecting, learning, advocating, and creating meaningful opportunities for child participation.
Connects networks across Europe
We bring together organizations, coalitions and child-led structures from different countries to share experiences, challenges, and solutions on meaningful child participation.
Builds capacity and expertise
We strengthen the skills of organizations and professionals to ensure child participation is safe, inclusive, accessible, and high‑quality.
Creates more opportunities for children’s voices
We work to expand spaces, from local communities to European institutions, where children can engage in decision‑making, including supporting links with EU initiatives such as the Children’s Participation Platform.
Supports collaboration between levels of governance
ECPN bridges local, national, and European efforts so that children’s views can influence decisions at every level.
Raises awareness on the importance of child participation
We promote the value of child participation among policymakers, institutions, and the wider public.
Who Can Join?
ECPN brings together one national child participation network per country (formal or informal) from EU Member States and wider Europe, as well as selected Europe‑level networks.
Members share a commitment to:
promoting inclusive child participation
upholding strong safeguarding standards
and supporting children's meaningful influence in public decision-making
Children at the Centre
A key feature of ECPN is its Children’s Board, made up of young people aged 13–17 from across Europe.
The Children's Board works alongside the Network to:
How We Work
ECPN is supported by a Secretariat hosted by Save the Children Europe and SOS Children’s Villages International, who ensure good coordination, smooth implementation of activities, and strong links between all parts of the Network.
The Network gathers its members annually, with ongoing collaboration throughout the year.