Reviews chapters of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption which establish requirements for intercountry adoption, provide for a system of adoption authorities in contracting states, establish procedures to be adopted by the authorities, and provide for recognition of adoptions made under the convention. Notes that the convention guarantees…

This very brief legislative report summarizes the House of Representatives Concurrent Resolution 45, a resolution calling for the development of a model Uniform Grandparents Visitation Act (UGVA). The UGVA would grant grandparents adequate rights to petition state courts for visitation privileges with their grandchildren following marriage…

This document contains prepared statements and witness testimony from the Congressional hearing on the pretrial detention of juveniles. The opening statement of Senator Arlen Specter, subcommittee chairman, is presented, focusing on the concerns arising from the Supreme Court decision in the case of Schall versus Martin (New York) which supports…

The two major articles of child welfare legislation in Finland are the Child Welfare Act of 1983 and the Child Custody and Right of Access Act of 1983. These new acts are part of a reform of social legislation and services providing increased flexibility and effectiveness in protecting Finnish children's health and happiness. The Acts attach…

Several Supreme Court decisions in the last 15 years have demonstrated expanding recognition of the rights of minors and other dependent groups. At the same time, these recent trends have engendered conflicts concerning minors' competence to make judgments, relationships between child and family autonomy, and differing interests in child advocacy.…

In an Alabama court decision ("Mason v. Teague") the standards for choosing hearing officers are interpreted in a manner that restricts the availability of due process hearing officers in special education disputes involving handicapped students and the administration of the All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. (MD)

Examines the basic tenets of a l983 Texas law permitting videotaped interviews of child victims of abuse to be admissible in civil and criminal proceedings. Discusses how the law is being implemented and how it protects legal rights of child victims, alleged perpetrators, and society at large. (Author/NH)

This publication contains documents 1 through 4 of a briefing kit on the United Nations' anticipated Convention on the Rights of the Child. Document 1 discusses the human rights of children. Document 2 describes the anticipated convention and the process through which it was organized. Document 3 discusses the convention in terms of how it is…

This document was prepared to assist the Wisconsin Legislative Council's Special Committee on Crimes Against Children in its study of current laws relating to crimes against children. It provides the background of the origin of the study and describes the characteristics of the Criminal Code, upon which much of the committee review will center.…

Suggests three monumental social changes in U.S. history have moved us closer to a viable democracy: the Bill of Rights, the abolition of slavery, and woman's suffrage. Notes children face many types of poverty; a children's rights amendment would focus child advocacy efforts. Discusses the precedent of the Equal Rights Amendment, which failed by…

School personnel need to learn about the outcomes of controversial education cases. Research on school law knowledge indicates that teachers and students would benefit from learning the basic principles of school law. (six references) (MLF)

This document provides information on the current status of Wisconsin's laws relating to child support. It describes current law incorporating changes enacted in 1985 Wisconsin Act 29 which have already taken effect, several changes enacted by Act 29 which do not take effect until July 1, 1987, changes which will take effect upon passage of a…

This report was developed to highlight some of the most effective state laws that concern child victimization. It is intended for use by state legislators, governors, and state officials as well as by all citizens concerned about protecting children. A sampling of varied legislation from several states is included which demonstrates how the issues…

Explores the common law-bill of rights debate in Australia and the probable impacts of extending constitutional and statutory rights to the educational system. Closely examined are compulsory education, the courts' role, children's rights, and the law and education interface, with reference to equality and quality issues in the United States.…

Reviews recent court litigations concerning the rights of students to invoke the Fifth Amendment in school disciplinary hearings. Concludes that Miranda warnings (informing suspects of their right to remain silent) are not required when student infractions have not violated criminal statutes and that student self-incrimination may be used as…