· Do these articles of the Convention help us in some concrete way to provide acknowledgment of others' needs? Do they prompt us to commitment or action?

• 8. Summary: Summarize the discussion and/or use the following summary information.
  
• Children are provided different categories of rights by the Convention:

* Survival rights, in which children are assured of adequate standard of living and access to medical services;

* Development rights in which children are assured of education, access to information, play and leisure, cultural activities, and the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion;

* Participation rights such as having a voice in matters which affect their life, their right to an active role in society, and the freedom to express their opinion;

* Protection rights which are the ones we explored today, and more that we didn't discuss. These include protection from all forms of exploitation, cruelty, separation from family, and abuse in the criminal justice system. The Convention also includes obligations to children in special circumstances: Article 20 (which covers children without families), Article 21 (children who are adopted), Article 22 (children who are refugees), Article 23 (children who are physically or mentally disabled), Article 39 ( children needing rehabilitative care), and Article 40 (children who are placed in care or detention).

• 9. Journal Assignment: Choose one or more of the following questions to address.

* How do you advocate for your child?

* In what special circumstances might you need to advocate for yourself or your child? (e.g., medical needs, school needs, financial needs/assistance, giftedness, mental retardation, AD/HD, physical disabilities)

* In what ways do I see myself or my community as "blind" to special circumstances?

* What opportunities or experiences have I had that have given me greater insight into the needs of others?

Raising Children With Roots, Rights, & Responsibilities - Session 6 - page 53