Protecting children’s rights in institutional settings

21 & 28 April 2021, 10am-1pm (two half-days via Zoom) – LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE
15 & 22 September, 10am-1pm (two half-days via Zoom) – PLACES AVAILABLE

“[This course] will definitely change my approach when visiting residential care homes as it will make me consider further the conduct of the staff, rules and environment. It has made me realise the need to explore the living experience more.”

“[It] made me think differently about my work and that maybe I take too much on face value. The tips we got on what to look out for from the videos we saw were invaluable and also hearing from other people about what they do.”

“[This course has] strengthened my confidence in myself and the team to get things right for young people.”

Course participants, 2020

Course overview:

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child entitles children deprived of their family environment to special protection and assistance. This course has been especially designed for independent advocates and others acting in independent roles in England, to help you protect the rights of children in institutional settings.

Course aims:

The course will: 

• Increase understanding of the inherent risks for children of living in institutional settings;
• Disseminate key learning from inquiries and investigations about institutional cultures and practices which harm children, and the importance of robust independent scrutiny and challenge; 
• Demonstrate approaches and behaviours which keep the child’s perspective and rights at the forefront of independent investigations, monitoring and advocacy.

Facilitated by Carolyne Willow, Article 39’s Director – a registered social worker with more than 30 years’ experience of promoting and protecting children’s rights.

Course participants:

The course is open to:

• Independent advocates supporting children and/or young people (aged 0-25) in institutional settings (this includes children’s homes, young offender institutions, secure training centres, mental health in-patient units, boarding schools and residential special schools) 
• Those in independent roles which contribute to effective safeguarding in any of the above institutional settings (this includes local authority designated officers, independent reviewing officers and complaints investigators) 

More information and how to register your place: HERE