The American Psychological Association's (APA's) stance on the psychological maturity of adolescents has been criticized as inconsistent. In its Supreme Court amicus brief in "Roper v. Simmons" (2005), which abolished the juvenile death penalty, APA described adolescents as developmentally immature. In its amicus brief in "Hodgson v. Minnesota"…

The greatest promise of international human rights law is in stimulating thoughtful self-examination by those who strive to do what is right. Perhaps more than any other instrument, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC; 1989) offers the opportunity to use a global moral consensus to transform life at the neighborhood level in order to…

Child and family policy often has been based on myths of childhood and family life instead of on empirical evidence. As a result policy tends to reflect irrational bases and conflicting goals. Psychologists can act as advocates by clarifying these myths for policymakers in family law. (Author/VM)

Outlines actual and potential uses in the United States of international children's rights standards, comparing the content and intent of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child with current U.S. policy and jurisdiction. The analysis underscores the differences between the international and U.S. approaches to children's rights. (SLD)

Explicates the rationale for efforts to promote the participation of children (and their parents and other interested adults) to help them feel that they are heard, noting the framework that is currently in place in most western countries, explaining this effort's foundation in international human rights law, and describing ways that it can be…

Although the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child has been criticized as antifamily because of its emphasis on family function rather than form, careful reading shows that it is not only supportive of strong families but offers a creative and conceptually coherent foundation for government action to promote and protect family life. (SLD)

Reviews challenges to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted by the General Assembly in 1989, and ratified by 167 countries, although not the United States. The article gives an overview of six articles in this special section that explore the policy challenges the Convention poses. (SLD)

In light of social science research that indicates substantial psychological benefits for children with disabilities who can remain with their families, and in the context of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, it is argued that the Federal government should maintain programs that make staying at home possible. (SLD)

Research is the only enforcement tool provided for in the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child and is therefore the most realistic hope for real change. Some of the difficulties of research on children's rights are reviewed, considering methodology and interpretation. (SLD)

Current presumptions about adolescents' incompetence as decision makers are largely unsupported by psychological research. There are psychological and social benefits in recognizing adolescents as autonomous persons with independent interests in liberty and privacy. Policymakers should consider adolescents' rights in decisions concerning…

Reviews the constitutional and political issues that are likely to be considered as the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child moves toward ratification by the U.S. Senate. A review of juvenile justice, education, religious freedom, and definitional concerns concludes that political issues are the real stumbling block. (SLD)

In the context of the U..N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, this article examines cultural differences in beliefs about: (1) the appropriate distribution of power in families and institutions; (2) the regulation of behavior; (3) individual and societal responsibility; and (4) individual and group rights. (SLD)