Advancing Child Protection Through Respecting Children's Rights: A Shifting Emphasis for School Psychology

Abstract

Abstract. The moral imperative of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, backed by robust empirical findings, leads to the conclusion that the protection of children from violence and neglect and the promotion of their well-being should be major priorities in every society. This article argues that School Psychology: A Blueprint for Training and Practice III should be reorganized around a child rights framework. We lay out the scientific foundation for why this change is imperative and describe what is needed to ensure children's protection, empowerment (right to participate and be heard), and freedom from violence. The proposed framework includes efforts to (a) educate all in the school community about child rights; (b) build a mechanism for the discussion of child rights and resolution of rights violations within schools; (c) guarantee children the right to express their views and to participate fully in matters that affect them; (d) impart all school community members with the skills...