Fortin's Children's Rights and the Developing Law

Children's rights are increasingly recognized, but not always implemented in practice. Fortin's Children's Rights and the Developing Law examines how law and policy in England promote or undermine these rights, using current research on child development and welfare. It measures progress against domestic law and international obligations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 792 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The notion that children constitute a significant group of rights holders has gained increasing acceptance both domestically and internationally. However, this rhetorical commitment to children's rights is not necessarily realized in practice. Now in its fourth edition, Fortin's Children's Rights and the Developing Law explores the extent to which law and policy in England promote or undermine the rights of children. Fully revised and updated, this textbook uses current research on child development and welfare to reflect on the extent to which the law fulfils children's rights in a wide range of areas, including medical law, education, and child poverty. These developments are measured against the domestic law and the UK's international obligations under, for example, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The book begins by examining the historical and legal context of children's rights in England, including the evolution of legal frameworks and the role of different actors in promoting and protecting children's rights. It then discusses the key principles and legal frameworks that govern children's rights, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Chapter 1 provides an overview of the legal framework for children's rights in England, including the Children Act 1989, the Human Rights Act 1998, and the Equality Act 2010. It explores the legal protections and obligations that these laws provide for children, such as the right to education, healthcare, and protection from abuse and neglect. Chapter 2 examines the role of the judiciary in interpreting and applying children's rights laws, including the Supreme Court's landmark decisions in cases such as Gillick v. West Norfolk and A v. Secretary of State for Education.

Chapter 3 explores the impact of social and economic factors on children's rights, such as poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion. It examines the ways in which these factors undermine children's access to education, healthcare, and other essential services and the legal and policy responses to address these issues. Chapter 4 examines the rights of children with disabilities, including the right to education, healthcare, and participation in society. It explores the legal and policy frameworks that protect and promote the rights of children with disabilities and the challenges that they face in accessing services and participating in society.

Chapter 5 examines the rights of children in the context of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the European Convention on Human Rights. It explores the ways in which these international conventions promote and protect children's rights and the challenges that countries face in implementing these conventions. Chapter 6 examines the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in promoting and protecting children's rights, including their role in advocating for policy change, providing legal assistance, and monitoring and reporting on children's rights violations.

Chapter 7 examines the role of the media in promoting and protecting children's rights, including the ways in which the media can influence public opinion and shape policy decisions. It explores the ways in which the media can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and messages about children and the legal and policy responses to address these issues.

Chapter 8 examines the challenges that children face in accessing their rights, such as discrimination, poverty, and violence. It explores the legal and policy responses to address these challenges, including the role of social workers.

In conclusion, Fortin's Children's Rights and the Developing Law is an essential resource for anyone interested in children's rights and the law. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date examination of the legal framework for children's rights in England, including the key principles and legal frameworks that govern children's rights, the impact of social and economic factors, the rights of children with disabilities, the rights of children in the context of international law, the role of NGOs, the media, and the challenges that children face in accessing their rights. The book is written in a clear and accessible style, making it accessible to a wide range of readers, including students, practitioners, policymakers, and researchers. It is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in promoting and protecting children's rights in England and beyond.

Weight: 1400g
Dimension: 171 x 246 x 47 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108446938
Edition number: 4 Revised edition