Major children's rights charities announce merger

Just for Kids Law, which provides direct advocacy support and legal representation for children, and the Children’s Rights Alliance for England (Crae), a membership organisation that campaigns for children’s rights, said each organisation will retain its individual brand and identity.

A statement said the charities were “keen to harness each other’s strengths while pooling resources in financially straitened times”.

Arnaud Vervoitte, managing director of Just for Kids Law, said Crae was finding it increasingly difficult to secure core funding for policy and lobbying work related to children's rights.

“They knew that prospective funders were welcoming the possibility of Crae joining forces with an established charity delivering direct work.”

He added that, as a growing organisation, Just for Kids Law was already interested in establishing a policy and lobbying strand.

“This would have happened in the next few years as a logical development,” he said.

“We therefore saw the merger as a win-win situation for both organisations and their respective work.”

The move comes as two other major children’s charities closed within the space of days due to financial problems.

On Friday it was announced that the British Association for Adoption and Fostering was closing with immediate effect due to “significant changes and prevailing economic conditions”.

And yesterday Kids Company closed due to financial reasons.

“The charities believe that joining together will strengthen both their work,” a statement said.

“Crae's public affairs and policy functions, and expertise on international human rights, will complement Just for Kids Law's litigation capacity and direct service provision.

“Together, the combined charity will increase the impact of their work for children’s rights.”

Carolyn Regan, chair of trustees at Just for Kids Law Board of Trustees, said: “We are delighted that Crae is joining Just for Kids Law at this important time.

“Together we can continue to support, advocate and lobby for children and young people, and also lead on the policy work which underpins it all.”

Alison Marshall, chair of Crae said: “Crae’s members are passionate about holding those in power to account on children’s rights as our track record and strong recent reports to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child show.

“Crae is joining with Just for Kids Law to strengthen the difference we can make for children and young people across the country.”