Human rights institutions for children play a crucial role in informing children, governments, and the public about children's rights, how those rights can be enforced, and why they are important. This digest discusses the development of human rights institutions for children and the impact of the Convention on the Rights of the Child; it details…

The main objective of the International Congress for Children was to underline the evolution in the concept of children, the idea that children are, above all, human beings and not just "human-beings-to-be." The 39 presentations are divided into 3 parts. The seven papers in the first part examine motives and strategies for children's…

The purpose of sound disciplinary practices and grievance procedures in juvenile detention and correctional facilities is outlined and a philosophy on discipline and grievance procedures is discussed. The use of secure confinement or restriction as a means of treatment, and the effects of restriction are considered. The basics of good discipline…

A number of research seminars were organized to clarify the fundamental principles underlying local, regional, and international efforts to establish a structure for monitoring and promoting children's rights. This book contains papers presented at these seminars by experts on child advocacy, promotion of children's interests by children, and…

The office of the Ombudsman for Swedish children, established within Radda Barnen (The Swedish Save the Children Fund) is occupied by five persons. Three of the staff are children's ombudsmen, one is an immigrant consultant, and one is a refugee consultant. The work of the ombudsman has six core aspects. First, attempts are made to strengthen the…

Children's ombudsmen's work in other countries suggests that a strong, independent, government child advocacy agency can provide an important alternative to overloaded courts and social service agencies. Ombudsmen's programs located within each state government are seen as essential to providing timely, realistic protection for children. (ET)

Notes that effective advocacy for children must build bridges between those who know most about and care most for children, those who are the powerful, and policymakers whose decisions affect the children's lives. Suggests that state-based, statewide child advocacy programs are most efficient and most effective. (ET)

Child care services in Sweden are distinguished by a high standard of quality and by the fundamental principle that they exist for all children. This governmental fact sheet provides useful facts and figures on Swedish child care law and government policy. It is divided into 16 sections covering: (1) rights of children and their families; (2)…