VDM Verlag The Recognition and Protection of Childrens Rights: In Word and Deed

Revision with unchanged content. Children’s rights are a world wide clarion call – yet, when it comes to implementing it in practice, the hearts of everybody starts racing because suddenly the issue is not academic, it’s personal. In practice it is evident that children’s voices are not being heard or taken into consideration – while adults are solely responsible for making decisions that affects the lives children have to live. Children continue to suffer and are being traumatised due to the fact they have to live a life decided by adults who presumed to know the best. The inconsistency when working with children, specifically during the legal process, has been experienced as a serious problem. Research was undertaken to rectify the situation. The hypothesis for the study was formulated as follows: A protocol that can be followed by professional role-players can ensure that children’s rights, during a legal process, will be protected. The key professional role-players involved with children during a legal process have been identified as social workers, child-care commissioners, lawyers, family advocates, judges but the book was written to all professionals working with children. Research results proofed that a protocol as a hands-on guideline, is a much needed tool for the professional role-player in practice.