Thesis abstract:

«p»Children in New South Wales care matters have a right to participation, which includes the right to express their views and for these views to be heard and for these views to be seriously considered in decisions that affect their lives. Despite the strong influence of clinicians’ recommendations' on judicial decisions and case plans, there is a paucity of research on clinicians’ assessment and participation processes of children. To date, the extent that clinicians facilitate meaningful participation and the processes through which clinicians promote participation with children in care has not been studied extensively in Australia or internationally. This thesis seeks to address this empirical gap and provide clarity and understanding about the role of clinicians in facilitating child participation. This research utilises a mixed-methods design, involving a two-stage data collection process. Stage 1 involves conducting semi-structured individual interviews with authorised clinicians in NSW. Stage 2 includes the review and thematic analyses of 70 authorised clinician reports.This is the first empirical study in Australia and internationally which provides a predictive model of clinicians’ facilitation of child participation in court-appointed assessments. This research identifies demographic variables (i.e., the child’s age, verbal competency, cultural background, and capacity) and professionals' attitudinal variables (i.e., the clinicians’ professional orientation e.g., paternalistic, protective, and partnership) that predict clinicians’ facilitation of child participation in New South Wales care proceedings.«/p»