AUSTRALIA

Charter details rights of kids

A CHARTER of rights for children in state care – the first of its kind in Australia – has been unveiled in South Australia. The launch of the Charter of Rights for Children and Young People today comes as a commission of inquiry into abuse of children in state care continues in South Australia. State Families and Communities Minister Jay Weatherill said the charter answered many questions young people placed under guardianship had and would be given to all children in state care. "Children and young people are placed under guardianship when they are unable to remain in their family home, making them among the most vulnerable," he said. "They need to know they can expect to be treated well and cared for properly while they are under guardianship. "It also is crucial for them to know they have options if something goes wrong. "The charter is a great way of telling them this and preventing problems such as abuse."

David Wilkins, 18, who was placed under guardianship as a child and helped contribute to the charter, said it would give young people more confidence to speak up about decisions concerning them. "It's really important for children in care to know they have rights," he said. "For those coming in to the system, this charter will be able to provide them with information to help them deal with being placed under guardianship." The commission of inquiry into abuse of children in state care has heard from more than 800 people who say they were sexually abused as state wards in SA. Some of the allegations date back to the 1940s. The commission, which started hearing evidence in 2004, is expected to continue for another three years.

The charter is available at www.gcyp.sa.gov.au

 19 April 2006

http://www.sundaytimes.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,18859830%255E1702,00.html

home / Previous feature