1. Using the Law to Promote, Protect and Realise Children’s Rights

2. Article 2 Non-Discrimination Article 3 Best Interests of the Child Article 12 The Child’s Opinion The work of the Centre is informed by the articles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child with specific reference to: Article 2 Non-Discrimination Article 3 Best Interests of the Child Article 12 The Child’s Opinion

3.  Promote awareness among children of their rights  Encourage the use of the law to promote children’s rights  Increase public understanding of children’s rights  Advocate for child friendly legislation  Involve children in the development of the Centre  Make a reality of children’s rights

4.  Education and training  Advice and information on children’s legal rights  Research on and monitoring of children’s rights  Commenting on policy and legislation  Strategic Casework Service  Third Party Interventions  Facilitating the voices of young people  Involvement in inter agency work e.g. COAC, CAU, Mental Health Review, DHSS PS Steering Groups, NICCY, Anti Bullying Forum

5. mTraining on the UNCRC, Human Rights Act /ECHR mDirect work with young people mAccredited courses  Seminars mConferences/ Annual Lectures mWebsite mDo You Know Your Rights series of leaflets

6.  Monitoring the Implementation of the UNCRC and other international Human Rights mechanisms  Policy Commentary – Draft Government Policy and Legislation  Consultation with young people  Submission of NGO Alternative Report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child

7. POLICY OFFICER  Responding to consultations in relation to legislation and policy affecting children.  Sharing information about policy responses.  Examples of recent submissions

8.  Comprehensive information service on domestic and international laws relating to children and young people  Policy commentary and submissions in relation to legislation affecting children and young people  Strategic casework service in key areas – in accordance with casework policy  Four solicitors, advice manager, advice worker, SENDIST representative, legal secretary, volunteers.  Referral service – Accredited Solicitors and Education Panel

9. Casework policy and key casework areas Education Tribunals Judicial Review Applications Re M A Minor [2004] NICA L A Minor by T Mc M v Sandelford Special School and NEELB [2005] An Application by Robert Mc Millen, Chairman of the Board of Governors of Ballyclare High School for Judicial Review[2008] NIQB 21

10. Third Party Interventions Re Neill’s Application [2005] NIQB,66 In the Matter of An Application for Judicial Review by the Commissioner for Children and Young People of Decisions Made by Peter Hain the Secretary of State and David Hanson the Minister of State [2007] NIQB 115 In the Matter of An Application by E for Judicial Review[2004] NIQB 35 [2006] NICA,[2008]UKHL,66 JR 21 ( 2008) – CAMHS JR 1 ( 2009) - Taser case

11. Mental health legal adviser Information about the law relating to child and adolescent mental health Advice and representation for children and young people with mental health difficulties Policy work in relation to the implementation of the Bamford Review recommendations with regard to children Training.

12. SENDIST Representative Legal advice and information in relation to special educational needs Training Representation in certain cases at the Special Educational Needs Tribunal Special Educational Needs Forum

13. J FREE-PHONE: 080 8808 5678 J FREE-POST: chalky, Bel3837, Belfast, BT15 1BR J E-MAIL: chalky@childrenslawcentre.org Children’s Law Centre Help and Advice Line for Kids and Young people

17. Information Website at www.childrenslawcentre.orgwww.childrenslawcentre.org Members section – information pack and submissions Do You Know Your Rights? Suspensions and Exclusions, Family Law, Youth Justice, Care, Social Security, Employment, Discrimination Law, Policing, Human Rights, UNCRC

18. J Are central to the development and work of the CLC J Provide a forum through which young people can voice their opinions on issues that affect them J Develop resources using a variety of media J Campaign and lobby to make a reality of children’s rights