Other

Seven key steps to ensure best interests of children

Wales children's commissioner Keith Towler shares his golden rules for promoting children's rights.

A number of meetings I have attended this year have left me wondering about rights-based practice: what it is, whether we all have a common understanding, and to what extent we can ensure that good outcomes for children and young people will be made real.

Wales is a country that has a policy commitment to children's rights. We were the first country in the UK to appoint a Children's Commissioner and the first to legislate so that ministers have to pay "due regard" to the UN Convention and to children's rights. Fantastic, you might say. But what does this mean if you are a play worker, youth worker, nurse, teacher, counsellor, lawyer, GP, dentist, optician, social worker, police officer, advocate, volunteer, elected representative – or indeed, anyone whose role includes providing assistance, support or a service to a child or young person? To what extent does our policy commitment to children's rights shape our practice, regardless of professional discipline? And, if you are a parent, carer, friend or relative, what does a child-rights approach mean to everyday family life?

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here


More like this

Hertfordshire Youth Workers

“Opportunities in districts teams and countywide”

Administration Apprentice

SE1 7JY, London (Greater)