Children and community regeneration : creating better neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood renewal and inclusive approaches to regeneration are high priorities for government and local authorities alike.

Yet Hugh Matthews identifies major social and political barriers to the involvement of children in community regeneration.

Children's relationships with their environment and the importance of public space in their lives are poorly understood by adults.

As result there is a common misconception that children cannot be involved in community planning and their behaviour is too readily dismissed as "anti-social". "Children and Community Regeneration" presents evidence on children's experiences, and examines how the community interests of both children and adults can be met.

At the policy level it identifies positive changes in approaches to regeneration and the potential of inclusive local strategic partnerships.

It also looks closely at good practice, describing a wide range of neighbourhood initiatives in which children and young people have been heavily involved.

As well as making recommendations to local policy-makers and practitioners, Hugh Matthews calls on goverment to develop concerted initiatives for young people's participation.