Winter 2005 - Our Children at Risk: Their Future is Now

Children's Rights

Child Poverty in the United States: The Need for a Constitutional Amendment and a Cultural Sea Change

by Robert C. Fellmeth

Child poverty rates are increasing, a trend made increasingly dangerous by shrinking social safety net programs. Any solution must come from a cultural sea change--and a possible constitutional amendment.

Children's Rights

Ending Child Poverty

by Deborah Cutler-Ortiz

Child poverty is neither permanent nor inevitable. Policies that help parents by increasing the minimum wage, offering job training opportunities, and expanding social safety nets can reduce child poverty.

Are Courts Prepared to Handle Judicial Bypass Proceedings?

Melissa Jacobs

For some pregnant minors, parental involvement in the abortion decision is either impossible or ill-advised. Pregnant minors may have learned through experience that notifying parents can lead to physical abuse, homelessness, or both.

Children's Rights

Holding Foster Care Agencies Responsible for Abuse and Neglect

by Carolyn A. Kubitscheck

Recent constitutional rulings provide some redress for children abused while in foster care systems.

Children's Rights

Assessing Developmental Level When Representing Foster Care Children

by Sharon Jackson Witkin

Information about children's developmental levels helps lawyers interview children effectively, determine their best interests, and defend their credibility.

Children's Rights

Protecting Unaccompanied Immigrant and Refugee Children in the United States

by Christopher Nugent

Thousands of unaccompanied immigrant and refugee children are stranded in the United States. Attorneys can help them by supporting reform efforts, organizing other lawyers, or serving as direct advocates.

Children's Rights

Combating the Worst Forms of Child Labor in Bolivia

by Kurt Henne and David Moseley

Child labor continues today, but comprehensive strategies that boost family income and protect educational opportunities can eliminate child labor in Bolivia and elsewhere.

Children's Rights

Child Sex Workers

Worldwide, many children are forced to work as prostitutes or sex slaves. Two testimonies from U.S. Senate hearings shed light on the problem.

Children's Rights

Child Soldiers Changing a Culture of Violence

by Jo Becker

Recent international treaties have set limits on the use of child soldiers, but the practice continues.

Children's Rights

Human Rights Heroes

by Wilson Adam Schooley

Four advocates have devoted their lives and careers to protecting children.