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Children's right to participation, being seen and being heard in the home
Justice for Children Trust
July 14, 2008

Most adults find the idea of children exercising their rights distasteful and against the natural order of things. JCT stresses out that children are far less susceptible to abuse if they possess the knowledge and the confidence to assert their rights. The point is we do not like our children to make any sort of contribution until they are earning a living. Community expects children to quietly comply with a maze of rules. It is better if communities explain to children how these rules operate or how to exercise the protections and freedoms offered by these rules. When we allow children to be heard they can meaningfully contribute to decisions in our community, we might actually find that the answers to juvenile delinquency are right under our noses.

Letting children have a voice does not mean children have their own way like what most doomsayers seem to think. It simply involves having the children get real participation. Neglect for children can start at home because we do not give children a real voice. Children should be seen and be heard. Just believe that if children are seen and heard, the family and community will not crumble and fall to the ground. Instead the family and the community will become healthier and more vibrant, where mutual respect takes the place of control and fear.

Let us include children in debates and other relevant discussions that pertain to their welfare and interests. An application of the best interests of the child doctrine highlights that it is necessary to consider the child's views in light of their age and level of understanding of particular issues. Let us encourage children to be articulate and being through giving them access to their right to participation.

For some reason community still clings to the notion that innocence must be equated with docility and humility. It seems that once a child becomes outspoken or constructively angry, that child will not attract a great deal of support. In some instances such children are labeled as naughty. It is illogical that one should expect compliance with any rule if one promotes only ignorance of it. By not allowing children to participate, we are actually promoting ignorance and promoting a lifetime of trauma and abuse for our children.

Let the children be seen and be heard. Promote children's right to participation.

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