About

A VOICE AND ADVOCATE FOR CHILDREN

The Child and Youth Law Section considers issues related to children’s rights and best interests. We monitor views on these issues, as well as the effects of legislative, legal policy and other legal developments on children in Canada.

What We Do

The Child and Youth Law Section:

  • Monitors how the legal profession in Canada supports and provides legal representation of children, and makes recommendations
  • Monitors and makes recommendations on the extent to which Canadian legal practice relating to children is consistent with best practices elsewhere, and encourages uniformity of practice within Canada
  • Monitors and supports respect for children’s rights, in particular, under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and supports children’s right to participate in the justice system
  • Provides advice and recommends positions and policy to support the effective development of children’s law
  • Provides advice and recommends positions and policy to ensure that children’s rights are fully implemented and enforced in Canada
  • Supports CBA branch Children’s Law Sections or committees
  • Fosters partnerships that will enhance the committee’s work for the benefit of Canadian children

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Committee

The Committee’s mandate includes monitoring and supporting respect for the rights of children, under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and their rights of participation in the justice system. To this end, the Committee provides advice and makes recommendations to support the effective development of children’s law and the full implementation and enforcement of children’s rights in Canada.

Time Commitment

Our Section members participate in bi-monthly conference calls and lead or participate in initiatives as they arise.

Take Action

If you’re interested in our work and children’s law issues, join the Child and Youth Law Section listserv. The listserv provides a forum to network and exchange ideas with leading practitioners who share your interests. We share updates about Committee activities and opportunities to get involved through the listserv. Participation is free for CBA members.

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