NCJ Number
246644
Date Published
September 2012
Length
22 pages
Annotation
In exploring further the theme of child protection systems launched at its 2012 Forum, this report on the Eighth European Forum on the Rights of the Child, identified key elements of the future European Union (EU) Guidelines on Child Protection Systems, guided by the principles and themes of the EU Agenda for the Rights of the Child.
Abstract
The keynote speech emphasized that the implementation of the actions outlined in the EU Agenda requires the use of legislation, data, collection, funding, support for child participation, and increased cooperation and partnership among different actors. Another presentation focused on the necessity of legislative work and data collection on a variety of child rights issues, as well as cooperation among relevant agencies. An address by the Lithuanian Ombudsman for Children provides an overview of her mandate, tasks, and responsibilities. She emphasized that freedom, independence, and autonomy of an Ombudsman's Office is the key to its effectiveness. Another presentation addressed the importance of creating an integrated child protection system that features early intervention, prevention, and family support. Child trafficking for various forms of exploitation was discussed in one presentation, followed by presentations on challenges to child protection systems and the role of social workers in child protection. Four thematic sessions considered the following topics: respect for the best interest of the child in parental abduction cases; the role of child protection systems in cases of children who move from one location to another; protecting children from violence, particularly bullying and cyber bullying; and the role of child protection systems in protecting children from female genital mutilation.