Is What Works Right? Children's Rights and the Evidence for Well Being

Roberta Ruggiero

Centre for Children's Rights Studies, University of Geneva

Roberta Ruggiero holds an MA in Law, an MA in Human Rights and Democratisation, and a PhD in Promotion and Protection of Children’s Rights. She is Senior Research and Teaching Associate at the University of Geneva’s Centre for Children's Rights Studies. She was formerly scientific coordinator of the European Network of National Observatories on Childhood (ChildONEurope), Istituto degli Innocenti (2008-2013), senior lecturer at the University of Padua, Italy, and external professor on children’s rights at the University of Molise, Italy. She has also worked as researcher at the IOM Europe Office and at UNICEF-Innocenti Research Office. Her research interests and publications include children’s rights in the EU framework of law and policy, independent national human rights institution for children, implementation of children’s rights and comparative childhood governmental policies.

Abstract

Objectives: Our paper discusses the role of evidence in the development of policies accountable to children’s rights and how evidence relates to these rights.Since the mid1990s, countries have experienced an evolution in... [ view full abstract ]

Objectives: Our paper discusses the role of evidence in the development of policies accountable to children’s rights and how evidence relates to these rights.

Since the mid1990s, countries have experienced an evolution in their child welfare systems and related policies. While policy emphasis varies from country to country and types of child welfare systems[1], this evolution is characterized by two factors (1) the broadening of the definition of children’s’ need/risk and (2) the parallel endeavor to support the evidence-based practice and policy. Overlaying these two aspects of evolution is sensitivity to concerns regarding children’s rights within welfare systems and the achievement of well-being.

Method: Starting with the premise that child well-being is a human rights inspired concept, our paper addresses the context for children’s rights in developing evidence-based practice and policy. This paper presents a framework for examining the role of scientific evidence of effectiveness and children’s rights within child welfare based on the articulation of the assumptions underlying both approaches.

Results: The framework is illustrated from examples drawn from the child welfare literature, and related sources to illustrate these assumptions, contradictions in the perspectives. We will consider some key issues including benefits to children from research findings; how evidence regarding children’s voices contributes to our understanding of their needs in the development of policies, critical thinking about rights and evidence and how contradictions might be resolved.

Conclusions: Notwithstanding the nature of the process to develop evidence-based interventions, blending the evidence-based practice with the human rights approach represents an instrument of good governance and social accountability. We expect that the nascent framework presented will provide a basis for the analysis of solutions to integrate the approaches.

[1] Neil Gilbert, Nigel Parton, & Marit Skivenes, Eds. (2011). Child Protection Systems: International Trends and Orientations. New York: Oxford University Press, 243-244.

Authors

Roberta Ruggiero (Centre for Children's Rights Studies, University of Geneva)
John Fluke (Kempe Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine)

Topic Area

Emerging Issues

Session

Oral 6 » Session 1- Emerging Issues (11:00 - Monday, 2nd October, North America Room)

Presentation Files

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