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BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL LEISURE
SERVICES COMMITTEE 9 FEBRUARY 1999
U.N. CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD (Report of the Director of Leisure Services) (City Wide) Purpose of Report 1. To inform members how the Leisure Services Directorate functions support the principles of the U.N . Convention on the Rights of the Child.Background 2. At its meeting on 20 February 1997, the Policy and Resources Committee considered a report on the convention (minute no. POL 473.2/97 refers) . They asked for the report to be circulated to service committees and the views of those committees reported back.3. The convention was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 20th November 1989. The Government of the United Kingdom agreed to be bound by the Convention in 1991. Local authorities may adopt the principles contained within the Convention. The convention codifies good practice and it is anticipated that many services will already be working to these or moving towards them. 4. The Convention attempts to set out in one document a set of principles and minimum standards for law, policy and practice which affects children and young people. The details of the text of the Convention are available in the Members= Room and there is a copy attached. 5. The Bristol Play Panel discussed the Convention at its meeting on 19th January 1999.The convention defines children as those under 18 years of age and within the U.K this will include young people with needs met by the Youth Service. There are many other parts of Leisure Services that contribute to work mentioned in the convention. Particular parts (called articles) of the document that Leisure Services operations cover include:Articles 12, 13, 14. These relate to children=s opinions being listened to, being valued and taken into account during decision making. Good practice in work with children supports this approach. It encourages the development of independence, creativity and confidence. Research on educational work using this approach (for example the >Highscope > project) indicates it can lead to positive outcomes in adult life. The work currently being undertaken by the Youth Service to set up a youth forum structure in the City will ensure that the voices of young people in decision making will be heard. (The Early Years and Childcare Partnership Website contains additional information on the > Highscope= research.)Article 17. This relates to information sources such as the media, books and so on. It reinforces the value to be attached to for example libraries and museums. The development of IT in youth centres will give young people including marginalised young people access to information sources. Article 31. This specifically relates to leisure, to play and to other pastimes. It is separated from an article relating to education. It recognises that the child =s lifestyle like an adult one has various interest areas, which should be respected for their worth. Leisure Services has a Play Policy , drawn up after extensive consultation some years ago. This covers the service provision required to continue to develop good practice. The Policy is not limited to the work of the local authority and also describes partnerships with the other organisations and groups in play-work. The view of the Bristol Play Panel was that Leisure Services should become a member of the Article 31 network to promote good practice. The youth service and the sports section are increasingly valuing and taking youth culture into account when developing services.Article 40. Juvenile justice is described here which is linked to for example the Youth Service =s involvement in the youth justice system. 6. The Convention also strengthens the role of parents and emphasises their primary responsibility for their offspring=s well -being and healthy development. It gives them and their cultural identity prominence and places the child and the child=s life within that context. 7. Adoption of the principles of the Convention will imply an increased emphasis on children and young people in focussing service delivery. Leisure Services clearly has some excellent experience in this area and can build on this work in the future. A substantial number of new projects may be developed and external funding such as the New Opportunities Fund may support these.Consultation Within Leisure Services(other committees will receive their own reports) Appendices The Convention on the Rights of the Child Policy Implications Leisure Services is currently promoting good practice development and this will continue. Resource Implications NoneOther Approvals Necessary None Recommended: 1. that the Committee adopt the principles within the Convention; 2. that the Director of Leisure Services takes part in relevant discussions at national level on the Convention as appropriate; 3. that the Director of Leisure Services inform the Policy and Resources Committee as appropriate. LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ACCESS TO INFORMATION) ACT 1985Background Papers Report to Policy and Resources Committee on 20 February 1997, and related minute.Contact Officer Mark Howard, Head of Play Tel. No. Of Contact Officer (0117) 922 3727 F:\1998-99\LEISURE\LSC\REPORTS\9FEB98\CHILDRTS.MH |
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