Using the Law to Promote, Protect and Realise Children’s Rights

The work of the Centre is informed by the articles of the United Nations

Convention on the Rights of the Child with specific reference to:

Article 2Article 2 Non-DiscriminationNon-Discrimination

Article 3Article 3 Best Interests of the ChildBest Interests of the Child

Article 12Article 12 The Child’s Opinion The Child’s Opinion

Promote awareness among children of their rightsEncourage the use of the law to promote children’s

rights Increase public understanding of children’s rightsAdvocate for child friendly legislation Involve children in the development of the CentreMake a reality of children’s rights

Education and training Advice and information on children’s legal rights Research on and monitoring of children’s rights Commenting on policy and legislation Strategic Casework Service Third Party Interventions Facilitating the voices of young people Involvement in inter agency work e.g. COAC , CAU,

Mental Health Review, DHSS PS Steering Groups, NICCY, Anti Bullying Forum

Training on the UNCRC, Human Rights Act /ECHR Direct work with young people Accredited courses Seminars Conferences/ Annual Lectures Website Do You Know Your Rights series of leaflets

Monitoring the Implementation of the UNCRC and other international Human Rights mechanisms

Policy Commentary – Draft Government Policy and Legislation

Consultation with young people Submission of NGO Alternative Report to the

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child

POLICY OFFICER

Responding to consultations in relation to legislation and policy affecting children.

Sharing information about policy responses. Examples of recent submissions

Comprehensive information service on domestic and international laws relating to children and young people

Policy commentary and submissions in relation to legislation affecting children and young people

Strategic casework service in key areas – in accordance with casework policy

Four solicitors, advice manager, advice worker, SENDIST representative, legal secretary, volunteers.

Referral service – Accredited Solicitors and Education Panel

• Casework policy and key casework areas• Education Tribunals• Judicial Review Applications• Re M A Minor [2004] NICA• L A Minor by T Mc M v Sandelford Special School

and NEELB [2005]• An Application by Robert Mc Millen, Chairman of

the Board of Governors of Ballyclare High School for Judicial Review[2008] NIQB 21

• Third Party Interventions • Re Neill’s Application [2005] NIQB,66• In the Matter of An Application for Judicial

Review by the Commissioner for Children and Young People of Decisions Made by Peter Hain the Secretary of State and David Hanson the Minister of State [2007] NIQB 115

• In the Matter of An Application by E for Judicial Review[2004] NIQB 35 [2006] NICA,[2008]UKHL,66

• JR 21 ( 2008) – CAMHS• JR 1 ( 2009) - Taser case

• Mental health legal adviser• Information about the law relating to child and

adolescent mental health• Advice and representation for children and young

people with mental health difficulties• Policy work in relation to the implementation of

the Bamford Review recommendations with regard to children

• Training.

• SENDIST Representative• Legal advice and information in relation to

special educational needs• Training• Representation in certain cases at the Special

Educational Needs Tribunal• Special Educational Needs Forum

FREE-PHONE: 080 8808 5678

FREE-POST: chalky, Bel3837, Belfast, BT15 1BR

E-MAIL: chalky@childrenslawcentre.org

Children’s Law Centre

Help and

Advice

Line for

Kids and

Young people

• Information• Website at www.childrenslawcentre.org• Members section – information pack and

submissions• Do You Know Your Rights?• Suspensions and Exclusions, Family Law, Youth

Justice, Care, Social Security, Employment, Discrimination Law, Policing, Human Rights, UNCRC

Are central to the development and work of the CLCProvide a forum through which young people can

voice their opinions on issues that affect themDevelop resources using a variety of mediaCampaign and lobby to make a reality of children’s

rights