‘A society which defines out the old, lacks compassion; but a society which omits to define in the young, or worse, which systematically keeps them out, lacks a sense of its own future' (Dahrendorf 1985:119). ‘A society which defines out the old, lacks compassion; but a society which omits to define in the young, or worse, which systematically keeps them out, lacks a sense of its own future' (Dahrendorf 1985:119).

Rights, Citizenship and Social – Rights, Citizenship and Social Inclusion – a trinity for children and young people Dr Jennifer Harvey –South Australia ACWA Conference 2012

Overview  What ought we expect from legislation and public policy where children and young people are concerned?  The priority considerations through which to filter the development of policy and legislation - the questions we ought to ask.  Opportunities for reconceptualising our approach to realise better outcomes for children and young people.  An invitation to hope - creating the foundational conditions for socially inclusive public policy making.

What ought we expect?  legislation and policy centred upon acknowledgment of the status of children and young people as citizens now  transparent recognition of their rights  socially inclusive methods of development

What would this look like:  Objects and principles recognise children’s rights, needs and interests  Children are recognised as a class of citizens in their own right; not as adjuncts, not as “pre- citizens” in whom we invest because the future depends upon them  Commitment to social inclusion is evident through special measures Concerning protection and care of children  Right to be safe from harm at the centre of legislation and policy  Active involvement of children and young people in development, and provision for ongoing involvement in decision making

Filters for Legislation and Policy  Is the policy/legislation based on institutional recognition of citizenship?  Does it recognise the social agency of children?  Are children acknowledged within the family and as individuals with identity and integrity beyond the family ?  Where is the evidence of children’s participation? What are their views?

Legislation and Policy Filters contd.  Where are the enabling processes and structures for children’s participation?  Is the focus upon children as citizens in the ‘here and now’ or it focused on shaping them for the future?  Is there recognition of the interconnected nature of issues concerning children and young people?  Is it consistent with Australia’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child?  Can we foresee unintended consequences which may disadvantage children or young people?

Child Safe Environments Organisations are expected to:  place the safety and wellbeing of children as a paramount consideration when developing activities, policies and management practices  value and embrace the opinions and views of children  encourage and assist children to build skills that will assist them to participate in society and  take action to protect children from physical, sexual, emotional and psychological abuse and neglect.

Foundational Conditions  A vision which transcends chronology  A Legislative and Policy Framework which secures engagement and institutionalizes recognition of children  Strategic linkages with broader social objectives  Overcoming Barriers and Creating new Spaces for Participation  Public awareness; professional and community education

In Conclusion …  Clarity about our expectations and our obligations  A shift in philosophies surrounding children and childhood – children as social agents  Understandings of citizenship and children’s citizenship journey  Commitment to social inclusion and recognizing children as ‘co-constructors’  Education of adults