This text considers the developing law in England and Wales as it applies to the burgeoning and confusing subject of the rights of children. It examines the extent to which the emerging legal principles can be harnessed to fulfil those rights.

The purpose of this book is to examine children's rights and particularly the mature child's right to self-determination, in practical context -- as it has emerged and is emerging through case law, legislation, statutory instruments, and government guidance.

Preface. Part One - Theoretical perspectives and international sources. Theoretical perspectives. International children's rights. Part Two - Promoting consultation and decision-making. Adolescent decision-making, Gillick and parents. Child runaways, emancipation and rights to support. Adolescent decision-making and health care. Promoting consultation and decision-making in schools.Children in court - rights to representation. Children in court - instructing their own solicitors. Children in court - their wishes and feelings. Part Three - Children's rights and parents' powers. Children's rights versus family privacy - corporal punishment and financial support. Parents' decisions and children's health rights. Educational rights for children with disabilities. A child's right to know her parents - the significance of the blood tie. A child's right to know and be brought up by her parents. Part Four - Children's rights to protection. An abused child's right to state protection. Right to protection in state care and to state accountability. The right of abused children to protection by the criminal law. Protecting the rights of juvenile offenders. Part Five - Conclusion. Themes and the way ahead.