Asgeir Falch-Eriksen and Karmen Toros (eds.): Professional Practice in Child Protection and the Child’s Right to Participate

Summary

In recent years, there has been a growing global significance attributed to the participation of children in political and practical matters. In accordance with Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), it is recognised that every child possesses the fundamental right to be adequately involved in all administrative procedures concerning them. However, upon closer examination of the prevailing reality, it becomes evident that the practical implementation of this provision suffers from various shortcomings. Addressing these specific deficiencies in the professional practice of child protection services (CPS), the editors Asgeir Falch-Eriksen and Karmen Toros present their work aimed at rectifying these issues.

The book, a collaborative effort involving six esteemed experts in the field, is based on Article 12.2 of the CRC, which enshrines the right to expression. Throughout its eight chapters, the book offers insights into the ideal structure and operation of child protection services, aiming to uphold and safeguard children's rights by ensuring their active participation in all administrative processes. Through extensive research conducted across various countries, it becomes evident that the voice of the child is oft en neglected or overshadowed by a formalistic or paternalistic approach within CPS.

Following the introduction in the first chapter, the book explores the challenges surrounding Article 12 of the CRC in CPS practices. The literature review reveals a lack of children's participation and visibility in CPS decisionmaking processes worldwide, despite the focus on improving their lives. This highlights a significant gap between professional practice and the rights outlined in Article 12 CRC.

Chapter 3 delves into the application of a human rights standard in decisionmaking within professional practice, specifically focusing on upholding the rights of the child. It is argued that Article 12 should be seen as a mechanism that empowers the child to contribute to and influence decisions that affect them, aligning with the primary consideration of the child 's best interests, as stated in Article 3.1 of the CRC.

The focus of the fourth chapter lies on CPS assessments and their correlation with children's rights. Karmen Toros and Rafaela Eugenie Simonee Lehtme utilise empirical data from children registered in the CPS system in Estonia to examine child protection assessments.