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The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is the most widely accepted human rights treaty. The treaty establishes a wide range of protection and participation rights for children up to the age of 18.
The UNCRC states that children everywhere, without discrimination, have rights to survival; to develop to the fullest; to protection from harmful influences, abuse, and exploitation; and to participate fully in family, cultural, and social life.
In our work with children and families it is important to remember the UNCRC recognises that families should be afforded necessary protection and assistance to fully assume their responsibilities within the community. The UNCRC affirms that children should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding.
Wherever possible, children should be involved in decisions that affect them. Encouraging participation does not mean children are always able to make the final decision, but allows their views to be taken seriously and treated with respect. This also means explaining to them when and why decisions are made against their wishes, in an age appropriate way. It is important to be honest, transparent and clear with children regarding the decisions that affect them.
People working with and caring for children in OOHC are responsible for ensuring children have access to the Charter of Rights for Children and Young People in out-of-home care and that these rights are upheld. The NSW Child Safe Standards for Permanent Care establish minimum requirements for accreditation and require all out-of-home care providers to arrange care in accordance with this Charter.
The NGO Learning Centre, in collaboration with the CREATE foundation have created a ‘Ten Tips for working with children and young people in care’ podcast. Many of the tips apply to work with all young people, including:
Understanding adolescent brain development is critical to effective work with young people. Because the brain is still developing, young people can struggle to plan for and understand the impact of their decisions. They may behave impulsively, make poor decisions and engage in risk taking behaviour.
This is all part of the normal teenage experience. This time of growth is a time of great opportunity for young people to learn lifelong skills, particularly in planning, reasoning, managing emotions and controlling impulses. This means we, as practitioners, have an enormous opportunity to provide support and guidance that facilitates growth in these areas.
The Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People also has a number of resources to help facilitate the participation of young people in decision making.
07 May 2024