CCRC RELEASES STUDY ON THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD

(July 7, 2009). On Thursday, June 25, 2009, the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children (CCRC) released a new study on "The Best Interests of the Child: Meaning and Application in Canada."

The CCRC report brings together research and the voice of practitioners who gathered for a national, multi-disciplinary conference on this subject at the University of Toronto on February 27 and 28, 2009. The conference was organized by the CCRC, the Law Faculty of the University of Toronto, the David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights, the International Bureau for Children's Rights, UNICEF Canada, and Justice for Children and Youth.

Sandra Scarth, President of the Adoption Council of Canada (ACC), participated in the conference and has this to say about the report: “I think it is a useful report for all who are interested in furthering the rights of children.  We need to speak up for those children who cannot speak for themselves and help children and youth who can speak to be given that opportunity in matters affecting them.  We should not be satisfied that our work is done until all children are connected to their family and culture.”

The full report is available via the CCRC website, www.rightsofchildren.ca

For the English report, click here.
For the French report, click here.

Note: specific information relating to adoption begins on page 35.