ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
REVISED
children's bill of
rights
Codifies 12 categories of rights for children within child welfare and placement general provisions.
In 1959, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which asserts that the child, by reason of physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care. On November 20, 1989, the governments represented at the General Assembly agreed to adopt the Convention on the Rights of Children into international law. Most countries have since adopted the treaty, which specifies that children everywhere in the world have the right to survival; to develop to the fullest; be protected from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation; and to participate fully in family, cultural and social life.
Connecticut and Rhode Island recently adopted legislation prohibiting children under state supervision from being denied personal, property and civil rights without due process. The departments responsible for supervision are required to adopt rules regarding placement of children in secure facilities. Additional rights specified include humane and dignified treatment consistent with a child's case plan, writing materials and postage, telephone calls, visitation, protection, counsel, a hearing if involuntarily transferred outside the State and a free appropriate education. Finally, no person may be denied access to employment, housing, civil service rank, licenses and permits and substance abuse treatment because of present or past placement under state supervision.
The proposed legislation codifies within child welfare and placement statutes 12 general rights of all children relating to humane and dignified treatment, environment, contact, health care, education, activities, decision making and heritage.
Information on potential fiscal impact, if any, has been requested.
1. Adds 12 rights for children within the child welfare and placement statutes.
2. Provides for a general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
· Replaces the term "medical care" with "health care."
Senate Action
FS 1/30/02 DPA 3-2-1-0
Prepared by Senate Staff
January 31, 2002