The Right Way: A Children's Rights Approach in Wales

From: Children's Commissioner for Wales - Sally Holland

Dear Colleague, Re: The Right Way: A Child’s Rights Approach We live in an era where public sector leaders in Wales are expected to stretch the public purse like never before. Finding new ways of dealing with increased demands and limited resource is a challenge I want to help overcome. 

This new guide is intended to bring to life the real, positive impact public services in Wales can have on delivering a Children’s Rights Approach – an approach that will have meaningful impact on how Wales responds to and safeguards the long term needs of its children. 

As Wales’ children’s champion I aspire to a Wales where all children and young people have an equal chance to be the best they can be. But the reality in Wales is that too many children are living in poverty, many children do not have the opportunities to develop their talents and potential, too often children do not know they have rights, and despite being experts on their own lives, children are often excluded from decisions that affect them and are often powerless to hold to account decision-makers or those responsible for services. 

This is why I have collaborated with the Wales Observatory on Human Rights of Children and Young People to create this principled and practical framework that will enable more children and young people to be better involved in public services. This is a framework which will lead to better decision making, ensuring there’s a real focus on the particular needs of children whose voices can be lost or silenced, creating an environment where public services are accountable to all of its service users. 

If you require additional information about any aspect of this guide, please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

I want to see a Wales which recognises its children and young people as active citizens with an important contribution to make to their communities and the nation. I’ll look forward to working with you to realise this ambition. 

With best wishes Sally Holland Children’s Commissioner for Wales