There is growing recognition internationally that access to justice is essential for the protection of the rights of children. It is especially important for protection from discrimination, violence, abuse, and exploitation, and for ensuring children’s best interests in all actions involving or having an impact on them. Children living in poverty are particularly vulnerable to the denial of their rights.

Community Law & Mediation (CLM) commissioned children’s law expert Róisín Webb to assess the need for a specialised legal service for children and the role it could play in augmenting existing work to advance the rights of children in Ireland. Thank you to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland for making this work possible.

Read or download the overview and the report in full below.

Our children’s law service

CLM offers free legal advice clinics for children and young people and the adults who support them on disability rights, problems at school like suspension or expulsion, discrimination, housing issues, LGBTI+ rights, environmental rights and more. It partners with youth organisations such as EPIC (Empowering People in Care) and Crosscare to ensure its service reaches those who need it most. It also provides training for children and young people, families and advocates/support workers on legal rights. To book an appointment, phone 01 847 7804 or submit this booking form.

Full Report