Ascolto e partecipazione di bambini e ragazzi fuori famiglia Il punto di vista dei professionisti del settore della protezione dell’infanzia nel Canton Ticino

This study is situated in the theoretical framework of children’s participation in decision-making processes that concern them, rights enshrined in international legislation. The research presented was carried out in the context of the «VIVAvoce» project, which will be implemented in the Canton of Ticino between 2021 and 2023, in collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) and cantonal institutions. The project aims to promote the protagonism of children and adolescents in out-of-home care by training professionals and experimenting with methods and tools to support their listening and participation in the development of protection projects. The research involved more than 70 professionals working in the Canton of Ticino and explored participants’ opinions on listening and participation practices of children and adolescents, as well as the impact of these practices on protection pathways. The findings highlight the need for inclusive and participatory approaches that ensure children play an active role in their life projects, thereby improving the effectiveness and sustainability of protection interventions.