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UNCRC Article 20: Special protection for children living without their family

Learn how the UNCRC helps children living without their families and join Save the Children Australia in advocating for the well-being of every child.

Every child should be brought up in a caring, loving, and protective family environment. This isn’t always possible however, sometimes it’s in the best interest of the child to be separated from their family, or it simply isn’t possible for the child to stay with family. These children still deserve a loving, supportive, and most importantly safe upbringing, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Article 20 is written to protect and guide others in upholding this right.

The imperative for special protection

Why is this protection so essential? Vulnerable children, including those in foster care or up for adoption, often face challenges that can impede their development and well-being. They face heightened risks of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, UNCRC Article 20 recognises these unique issues and advocates for the support these children deserve so that they aren’t left behind.

What do special protections and help entail?

So, what exactly is UNCRC Article 20 about? It’s a commitment to safeguard and assist children temporarily or permanently deprived of their family environment, as well as a framework for how to do so. This commitment is vital as it helps guarantee the right of every child to grow and thrive in a secure and caring family-like setting.

How does article 20 impact foster care and adoption policies? 

Going into care is often the solution for children unable to live with their family, UNCRC Article 20 stresses that this should be the minimum right of children and that whilst in care they will have their rights respected, have a level of freedom and autonomy to develop fully, and be listened to and respected. 

It’s important that these aspects of living are provided regardless of refugee or disability status, and that the care facilities and practices are inspected by a third-party source to ensure these are met. UNCRC Article 20 helps to ensure this by providing a framework for care facilities and governments to effectively support the children in their care, as well as encouraging discussion between countries that have signed the UNCRC on good examples of what this looks like.

Challenges in implementing UNCRC article 20

It’s important to remember that whilst there are shared challenges and hardships faced by all children in care, these are still unique people with their own needs that need to be helped on a tailored, individual basis to meet these needs and not treated solely as a collective group. This is one of the chief difficulties in implementing Article 20, as well as resource constraints, cultural perception, education and other institutions not accommodating children without families. Whilst the UNCRC prompts signatories to attempt to prevent or mitigate these challenges, legislative change is often a lengthy process, this is where Save the Children comes in.  

Save the Children's role in enacting article 20

Save the Children effectively supports children through ongoing programs and emergency responses in times of crisis likely to result in children being separated from their families. Our priority is always where possible and where it is in the best interest of the child to keep families united or reunite them, in programs like Families First, we have helped to make child protection a national priority in Indonesia, saving more than 1,000 girls and boys from the risks of institutional care largely by advocating for family and community care over institutional settings.

How you can contribute to the cause

How can you make a difference? Supporting initiatives like Families First through donations, spreading awareness, and advocating for policy changes are all valid ways to contribute. Together, we can transform the rights and well-being of the most vulnerable children. Donate or learn more about other ways to help make a difference today.

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