CYP Now - Let children dictate shape of rights-based practice

In a country that prides itself in upholding the rights of children and young people, there's a lot of talk in Wales about "rights-based practice". But the concept of children's rights is often a difficult one
to grasp and, as a consequence, rights-based practice can be a little
abstract.

Recently, I've spent some time thinking about this and how outcomes for children and young people can match the aspirations set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child so that every child and young person can fulfil their individual potential.

I've been questioning more than ever whether this well-intended ambition of upholding the rights of children is actually making a difference to children's lives in Wales.

Despite the summer break, I've maintained my regular visits and meetings with children and young people. I made a flurry of school visits before the end of term, visited some play schemes, attended awards, celebration events and organisations' AGMs, and met with young people in care from all over Wales, in two meetings I host each year for them. I decided to use these visits as an opportunity to explore with young people themselves what they knew about children's rights and how they would define "rights-based practice".

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