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Philosophy of the Children's Rights ServiceThe Children's Rights Service:
- fully supports the principles and Articles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. In particular the Children’s Rights Service affirms Article 12 which states that,
- "State Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child.
- For this purpose, the child shall in particular be provided the opportunity to be heard in any judicial and administrative proceedings affecting the child, either directly or through a representative or an appropriate body, in a manner consistent with the procedural rules in national law."
- believes that discrimination and oppression on the basis of young people’s age, ethnic origin, colour of skin, class, disability, sex, sexuality, care status and religious or political beliefs is unjustified;
- is committed to providing services to young people which are appropriate to their individual needs and experiences and which do not perpetuate negative stereotypes;
- will not collude with actions or practices which are harmful, or disrespectful, to young people’s rights. This primarily relates to the expressed views and behaviours of adults. However, the Children’s Rights Service will not condone actions by young people which are based upon prejudice and misuse of power;
- recognises that its existence stems from the needs of young people who are looked after. It is therefore imperative that those working for the Service do not allow the needs of the Service itself, or of the wider department, to overtake the needs of young people;
- is committed to providing a good quality service. This means that the Service must be accessible, respectful of young people, accountable to them and genuinely committed to participation;
- acknowledges that services are developed, and improved, over time. Feedback, however critical, should always be viewed openly, and improvements made.
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Last Updated:
6 September 2004
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