European Union and Child Protection With reference to UK Essay Example

a perceived split, some groups that focus on children recommend keeping divisions in place to safeguard the interests of kids who have been marginalized previously (Henricson, 2002). This separation becomes particularly troubling when handling child poverty. Although adult and child poverty might appear similar superficially, a closer examination uncovers a critical distinction - childhood poverty can result in long-term consequences due to children's vulnerability, dependence, and still-developing bodies. This raises concerns about access to resources within households, particularly when gender biases impact living conditions and lead to social exclusion of girls at the expense of male children. Consequently, decreasing family poverty may not automatically translate into promoting the well-being of children (Marshall, 2003). Nevertheless, the government's economic performance appears praiseworthy.

The UK Government's social exclusion agenda includes various measures to combat poverty in childhood and old age. As an EU member, the government created a National Action Plan on Social Inclusion for 2003-05, covering wide-ranging issues of inclusion and exclusion (Department of Work & Pensions, 2003). Policies with objectives to reduce poverty are mainly concentrated on child poverty reduction targets. The goal of New Labour under former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was to completely eradicate child poverty, launching a plan spanning two decades (Blair, T, 1999).

Intentions have been fulfilled through documented actions. The Institute of Fiscal Studies reports a 53% increase in real terms for support towards families with children since 1999. Adam and Brewer (2004) state that around 10 to 25% of parents receive more government financial aid than the estimated cost for their children. Analyzing the Family Resources Survey, Sutherland et al (2003) discovered a significant reduction in child poverty between 1996/97 and

2000/01 compared to other groups. Dissent may exist among certain individuals.

According to End Child Poverty, academics agree that the Government has successfully decreased child poverty in both absolute and relative terms. Brewer et al (2002) also support this stance. Sutherland et al (2003) suggest that by 2004, the government will have achieved a one-fourth reduction in child poverty, potentially even up to one-third if housing costs are excluded. However, critics argue that while economic issues have been addressed, the primary challenge for the Government regarding child protection is related to social considerations. Some believe that prioritizing children's "welfare" over their "rights" may be problematic.

None of the policy documents both domestically and internationally give importance to the children's rights. This absence of focus is noticeable in 'Every Child Matters' and in the UN convention, which lacks any reference to the cause. Consequently, the implementation of provisions remains neglected by the Government. The inaction of the UK Government regarding the incorporation of CRC into their domestic legislative framework, even though they ratified it, shows their reluctance in accepting and promoting children's rights as a catalyst for the enhancement of their social welfare. A public policy always has multiple components, and prioritizing one issue over another can result in muted responses from the public. In this case, while addressing child poverty, the UK Government has made itself vulnerable when it comes to protecting children's rights.

Although economic considerations are significant, they must be accompanied by complementary measures that address social objectives. Economic security is crucial but it is not the only issue at stake; social dimensions also require attention. To address social concerns, legislative measures must be put in

place. The UK Government can satisfy this need by taking specific steps to incorporate the ratification of the CRC under domestic legislation. While the UK Government shares concerns about child neglect as perceived by the U.N. Committee on the Right of the Child (CRC), there is no absolute guarantee that children will be free from abuse and violence, especially within families.

The Government has various issues competing for attention, and Child Protection is just one of them. Public Policy can strive to reduce the repetition of such events.