Children and Young Peoples Rights - Article Example

Name Institute of affiliation Date Children and young people’s right to participate in all matters that affect them in social care Introduction A heightened demand for children’s voices to be heard and their opinions sought in issues that affect them exists. Since 1989, much of the UK law and regulation entailing Children Acts have emphasized the significance of giving an ear to children and the young people in matters of social care, education, and similar areas where they are great participants (Hart, 2001). Children and young people, which comprises of individuals below 18 years and early twenties are tremendously affected by the policies and decisions of those in authority. Thus, the right to influence these decisions is fundamental. Involving children and young people requires adults to provide with opportunities and support to take part in policies influencing their social care (Davis & Powell, 2003). Participation of the children and young people involves bringing them together in decision-making, and allow them to give their views in an interview, or consultation, and even active involvement. Social care institutions can establish the children and young people’s involvement and sustain alteration or modification for better in their services. Allowing children and young people to offer opinions in issues of their needs in social care is aligned with UK’s international human rights requirements that was manifested in its confirmation of the UNCRC (United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child ) (Davis & Powell, 2003). The following research is a critical examination on the rights of children and young people in regards to involvement in all matters that affect them and their best interests in the UK. This is in relation to social care, and recent data will be used in building up the topic. Issues in social care Evidence from the UK can be seen through a manifesto signed by fifty children’s charity and published by the Child Poverty Action Group, NSPCC, and Barnardos which reveal that children and young people under the age of eighteen years constitute about 15 million people, which is one-quarter of the population (Franklin, 2002). However, their rights and social well-being are scarcely given the priority they require. Children confront acute problems in regards to social care. Children around the world experience challenges of abuse, neglect, and poverty at alarming levels (Franklin, 2002; Peckover & Smith, 2011). Some basic necessities such as shelter, food and drinking water, and even life are denied or minimized to levels of concern. The research findings further show that in the UK alone one out of three children lives in poverty, and the statistics have doubled since 1979. Of the recorded rape victims, twenty-six percent are children and young people. About four thousand young ones are put on child protection logs on an annual basis, while at least forty thousand children are demised through road accidents. In addition to that, twenty per cent of children and young people in the UK are affected by some form of mental health problem such as depression (Franklin, 2002). These statistics are shocking and shaming at the same time and illustrate clearly the need to move towards defending social welfare, and participation rights for children and young people (Invernizzi & Williams, 2008). Freeman (2004) focuses his research on the issue of rights and opinions when it comes to health of the young person. Children and young people are given no voice in medical consultations and are rarely consulted as partners in the planning of health services provided for them. The assumption that adults know best is an obstruction to the participation of young people in these matters, and forms debate of child participation in health matters. For example, who should decide when a child is sick, and how he or she should be treated? Freeman (2004) investigates whether a child is competent enough to decide on treatment and whether he or she can refuse or order the treatment among other concerns. Legal reforms toward children’s rights to policy and opinion formation Reforms in law and regulation in the UK have emphasized the need to listen to children and young people in issues that concern them, including social care (Laming, 2003). In 1926, it was put into law that in decisions involving granting of adoption, the wishes of the child should be considered. In 1975, local rules were expected make sure that the feelings and expectations of a child in care are considered. In 1989, courts were expected to treat with respect cases involving child upbringing. In 1999, local ruler ships were ordered to negotiate with the public when making decisions to advance their services. This relates to the services offered to children and young people as main consumers of the local services. By 2001the National Health Services bodies were expected to include patients and citizens in general in issues of decision-making and planning of services. In 2004, the social workers in a jurisdiction were expected to provide privilege esteem to children’s the hopes and feelings while making inquests on child welfare, and prior delivering services to targeted children. In 2006, the local rule duty was to give respect to available data on early childhood services showing opinions of young children even those below five years of age. In 2009, directors of Children Services’ directors and precede associates were expected to exhibit their role as champions for children in statutory guidance. These are some of the reforms made to ensure participation for the children and young people is considered in delivery of public and social services (Davis & Powell, 2003). Overall, while local ruler ships have shown remarkable betterment on participation, the effect is yet to penetrate into departments especially those handling matters of children and young people indirectly. Why child and young person participation matters The under 18 population constitute one out of five persons in UK (Freeman, 2004). Thus, this shows that it is this population which largely uses public social services such as going to school every day, seeking health consultation, using public transport, participating in local sports and other social activities, targeted for commercial advertisements in mass media, and are prone to being affected by crime in the community. Despite being the population that utilizes the largest portion of social care services, the authority which includes individuals and organizations, voluntary sector and statutory services, local government and business have failed to ask them for their opinions. Their opinions and perspectives are stemmed from their experiences and would be great for improving the design, plan and implementation of services. The opinions of children and young people would help to cut costs by ensuring that what is put on offer is what they really want. Nearly two decades post-confirmation of the UNCRC in the UK, adequate allowance of participation for this population is yet to be reached. The current series of high-profile child protection cases has influenced the acknowledgement that the prevailing attitudes towards children, on the assumption that adults know best and have the subject’s interest at heart has failed many children. Acceptance of the United Children Rights Charter has however shown encouraged social services to recognize children and young people as society members who have every right to be listened to as well as protected. This emphasizes on working with the young generation as opposed to working for them. It also includes the understanding that acquiring responsibility for someone does not denying them the responsibility. Professionals should speak with, listen to, and involve children and young people in issues concerning them. It is necessary to challenge the adults’ presumptions that they need to exercise choice on behalf of children and young people. Although some previous research has shown children and young people as disillusioned with political engagement, some plenty of other researchers have provided adequate evidence that the young also possess desire and ability to influence decisions affecting them in their day to day lives (Hart, 2001). Majority of young people feel that they should have at the very least, some of their opinions included in decision-making (Hendrick, 2005). Recommendations and solutions Social care organizations are acknowledging the need to have the young exercise their right of participation in their issues. Participation is now a vital focus in most service-level accords for social welfare agencies both at statutory and autonomous positions. In some cases, organizations have set procedures where a participation ‘box’ is ticked to illustrate the involvement of children and young people in a particular activity, rather than an illustration of evidence of improvement or change from the children’s participation. It is important for organizations to adopt a framework that can help in a systematic development of effective and rewarding participation of the young population in the design, provision, and evaluation of their utilities. Children should be safeguarded against harmful social issues by being given a voice for opinion. Hendrick (2005) calls for a change in attitude in the relationship between child welfare and social policy. Most social welfare centres have started to accede that when listened to, the young people provide a critical role in service planning and delivery. Peckover & Smith (2011) in more recent observation note that even though the number of young population affected by neglect and child abuse is heightening, knowledge and awareness of the phenomenon is also growing. The cost of this burden can now be measured in social, monetary, and health terms. A UK’s 2010 Government White Paper recognizes the new era for public health and emphasizes on early intervention and prevention in order to protect children both at primary and tertiary positions (H.M. Government, 2003). The government has pledged its dedication to child care services by working closely with the public health at the local authority level (Peckover & Smith, 2011). There should be reforms in policies concerning public health which should call for a wider national address across the population. This can be achieved through recognition, control, and early prevention procedures (H.M Government, 2003). However, this approach is often faced with tensions about procedures and state interference in lives of children, young people and their families. Therefore, the most appropriate way to ensure a win situation is to ensure that the voices of the children and families are listen to in debates, and their participation in policy development is enabled (Peckover & Smith, 2011). It is also recommended that individuals and organizations in the society that are somewhat in charge of delivery of social care services to the young population develop a culture of participation for them (Parton, 2006). A tradition of taking part needs to validate a pledge to the young people’s involvement which should be allotted and reckoned by the executives, practitioners, and the young population. The number of participation guides should also be increased although this has sometimes been termed as a barrier to participation. Participation guides offers a legitimate aspect of service development. Organizations should establish a shared understanding of participation in the midst of cultural differences. Managers should ensure that they actively support and maintain participation development by motivating staff commitment to participation. Also a participation deed should be established, and evidence of participation in organizational policies and documents should be shown (Parton, 2006). The agencies should take a step further to publicise commitment to participation, as this may encourage several other social care agencies to do the same. Agencies need to plan and come up with structures such as resources, staff, decision-making, and planning processes ideal to convert the young into active participation. Incorporation a culture of participation also means that the way of working should be changed in the organization (Parton, 2006). Taking part will be an improvement if the young can instigate decision-making procedures. Organizations should consider various parts of service establishment in order to avail effective systems that promote taking part. These areas include strategy of participation, working with partners, identifying participation leaders, and availing enough necessities for taking part. In summary, it is important to develop effective systems to review participation. Children and young people have to take part diligently and purposefully in all these activities, beginning to end. Participation is integral to the protection of young people and children (Laming 2003). Conclusion Analysis of relevant research on the topic shows that child protection can be achieved if their rights and opinion are considered in formation of policies and delivery of services that affect them. Participation of the young population can be fostered with strategies, resources, organizational structures, and staffs that are dedicated and focused on participation. These also entail a supporting role provided by parents, and professionals or carers. Importantly, early intervention and effective prevention will set a trend to be followed that will enable respect of the rights of the young population. The process also involves accountability and integration not only at local level, but also regional and national levels. There is need for workforce reform in the United Kingdom to ensure that policies and social services for the young align with their opinions by actively involving them in planning and decision-making. Children form a large part of users of social care services in the society, and also fall victims to various problems that result from the policies created. Child protection is definitely a great idea to protect the rights of children. However, child protection should be inseparable from policies created to maximize the potential of every child and young person, and this can be formed with having them as participants in the policy formation process. References: Davis, M., F. & Powell, R. (2003). “The International Convention on the Rights of the Child: A Catalyst for Innovative Child Care Policies.” Human Rights Quarterly 25(3), 689 719. Franklin, B. (2002). The new handbook of children's rights: comparative policy and practice. London: Routledge. Freeman, M., D. (ed.). (2004). Children’s rights, Aldershot, Hants. England: Burlington,VT Ashgate Hart, S.N. (2001). (ed). Children's rights in education, London: Jessica Kingsley. Hendrick, H. (2005). Child welfare and social policy: An essential reader. Bristol, UK: The Policy Press. H.M. Government. (2003). Every Child Matters (Candy 5860). London: The Stationery Office. Invernizzi, A. & Williams, J. (2008). Children and citizenship. London: SAGE Laming, Lord (2003). The Victoria Climbié Inquiry Report. London: The Stationery Office. Parton, N. (2006). Safeguarding childhood: Early intervention and surveillance in a late modern society, London: Palgrave. Peckover, S., & Smith, S. (2011). “Public health approaches to safeguarding children”, Child Abuse Review, 20, 231-237. Read More

Some basic necessities such as shelter, food and drinking water, and even life are denied or minimized to levels of concern. The research findings further show that in the UK alone one out of three children lives in poverty, and the statistics have doubled since 1979. Of the recorded rape victims, twenty-six percent are children and young people. About four thousand young ones are put on child protection logs on an annual basis, while at least forty thousand children are demised through road accidents.

In addition to that, twenty per cent of children and young people in the UK are affected by some form of mental health problem such as depression (Franklin, 2002). These statistics are shocking and shaming at the same time and illustrate clearly the need to move towards defending social welfare, and participation rights for children and young people (Invernizzi & Williams, 2008). Freeman (2004) focuses his research on the issue of rights and opinions when it comes to health of the young person.

Children and young people are given no voice in medical consultations and are rarely consulted as partners in the planning of health services provided for them. The assumption that adults know best is an obstruction to the participation of young people in these matters, and forms debate of child participation in health matters. For example, who should decide when a child is sick, and how he or she should be treated? Freeman (2004) investigates whether a child is competent enough to decide on treatment and whether he or she can refuse or order the treatment among other concerns.

Legal reforms toward children’s rights to policy and opinion formation Reforms in law and regulation in the UK have emphasized the need to listen to children and young people in issues that concern them, including social care (Laming, 2003). In 1926, it was put into law that in decisions involving granting of adoption, the wishes of the child should be considered. In 1975, local rules were expected make sure that the feelings and expectations of a child in care are considered. In 1989, courts were expected to treat with respect cases involving child upbringing.

In 1999, local ruler ships were ordered to negotiate with the public when making decisions to advance their services. This relates to the services offered to children and young people as main consumers of the local services. By 2001the National Health Services bodies were expected to include patients and citizens in general in issues of decision-making and planning of services. In 2004, the social workers in a jurisdiction were expected to provide privilege esteem to children’s the hopes and feelings while making inquests on child welfare, and prior delivering services to targeted children.

In 2006, the local rule duty was to give respect to available data on early childhood services showing opinions of young children even those below five years of age. In 2009, directors of Children Services’ directors and precede associates were expected to exhibit their role as champions for children in statutory guidance. These are some of the reforms made to ensure participation for the children and young people is considered in delivery of public and social services (Davis & Powell, 2003).

Overall, while local ruler ships have shown remarkable betterment on participation, the effect is yet to penetrate into departments especially those handling matters of children and young people indirectly. Why child and young person participation matters The under 18 population constitute one out of five persons in UK (Freeman, 2004). Thus, this shows that it is this population which largely uses public social services such as going to school every day, seeking health consultation, using public transport, participating in local sports and other social activities, targeted for commercial advertisements in mass media, and are prone to being affected by crime in the community.

Despite being the population that utilizes the largest portion of social care services, the authority which includes individuals and organizations, voluntary sector and statutory services, local government and business have failed to ask them for their opinions.

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