IPA is concerned about the play rights of children experiencing difficult circumstances or challenging
environments. Too many of the world’s children face huge barriers in their everyday environments
which mean that they must take their chances to play whenever and wherever they can – and
sometimes in considerable danger. In situations of crisis, stress, weakened physical and emotional
development, feelings of lack of control and loss of trust steadily multiply if children lack everyday
opportunities for play.
Every aspect of children’s lives is influenced by their need and desire to play; providing
self-directed and self-determined opportunities to play can increase children’s opportunities
to build their own resilience.
It is designed to:
• provide clear and concise information to individuals and organisations working with children and
families in situations of crisis
• provide practical, step-by-step tools and templates for undertaking work linked to the provision
of time, space, permission and ma
