ON THE EDGE OF ADULTHOOD

Newcastle, September 2013

All images produced under creative commons licence; some presented as black and white.

League of Nations - 1924Mankind owes to the child the best it has to give

the child that is hungry must be fed; the child that is sick must be nursed; the child that is backward must be helped; the delinquent child must be reclaimed; and the orphan and the waif must be sheltered

and succored○ (Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child)

United Nations Convention 1989- Theory and practice

UN Convention on the Rights of the Child applies to those up to 18 unless age of majority achieved earlier.

It should ensure the best interests of the child are realised:prevent child suffering harm; protect against discrimination; ensure provision of essentials; encourage participation in decisions.

Home life Parent, guardian or appointed carer.

Residency. Parental responsibilities and child rights.

Criminal justice 10 MACR England (8/12 Scotland) 18 to sit on jury or serve as police 17 detention by police (Eng)

School and/or work?

School leaving age;

Minimum work age;

Minimum wage.

Marriage/Civil partnership

England and Wales: 16 with parental consent; 18 otherwise.

Scotland: 16 years, no consent requirement.

Consensual sexual relationships Sexual relations: 16 years (same or opposite

sex):Exception position of trust--

‘child’ 16-18 years; ‘adult’ over 18.

Random age limits?

?

Evolving capacity?

Towards the future

Protect --- but support evolving capacity

Respect ---- recognise individuality

Promote --- awareness of rights

Fulfil ---- monitor