How and why did Wales get a Children's Commissioner?
How?
Children's organisations in Wales campaigned for a Commissioner for children for over 10 years. Politicians in the National Assembly were also keen on the idea. They wanted someone who would speak up for children and young people's rights including helping to protect them.
Why?
In early 2000, Sir Ronald Waterhouse published his report - Lost in Care - after a long inquiry into child abuse in children's homes in North Wales. He recommended that Wales had a Children's Commissioner to try and stop such things happening again. This speeded up the campaign and legislation was passed in Parliament to create the post and give it the powers needed.
Find out more?
- Take a look at our 2005-2006 Annual Review (PDF Format)
- To find out more about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, including a young person friendly version of the UNCRC, check out UNICEF
- The Assembly's proposals for a Children's Commissioner
- Children's Commissioner for Wales Act 2001
- Care Standards Act 2000
- You can search for other legislation here
