Comparison of Methods for Participation of Vulnerable Children in Neighborhood Rehabilitation (Case Studies: Tehrans Southern Neighborhoods)

Due to the poor social and economic conditions of vulnerable childrenʹs families, vulnerable children experience urban spaces for work and play more than other children. Although these children gain a solid understanding of urban spaces, which can be used in the process of designing desirable urban spaces in their neighborhoods, they are less considered in such projects. Thus, the methodology for the participation of vulnerable children is not developed well to be suited for their involvement in urban rehabilitation. This study examined the application of various qualitative methods to find the suitability of each method for vulnerable children participation in the urban rehabilitation, such as drawing, interview, visiting site and writing essays complemented with drawings, if desired. The results of the study in Tehran’s southern neighborhoods reveal that certain group interviews and site visiting with these children could be more beneficial as compared to other participation methods. This is due to a number of factors including better verbal skills as compared to writing and drawing capabilities. Further, studies show that the participation of vulnerable children requires suitable measures to obtain their trust and encourage participation. None-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) can play a significant role in this.