Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill

Written evidence submitted by Resolution (CWSB179)

Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

Executive summary

Resolution is broadly supportive of the provisions in this Bill but the Bill misses the opportunity to incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child ( UNCRC ) into English law.

A bout Resolution

Resolution is a membership association of 6,500 family lawyers, mediators and other family justice professionals working with separating families across England and Wales. At the heart of all Resolution’s work is our aim to support families to resolve issues in a constructive manner that puts the needs of children first.

Our members advise and act for children and their parents or other family members on a daily basis in public and private law children proceedings.

UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Resolution’s Vision for Family Justice calls for the direct incorporation of the UNCRC into the domestic law of England. We have long called for the protections within this Convention to be accessible to children and young people in England, as well as in Wales and Scotland.

This Bill misses the opportunity to embed the rights in the UNCRC into the law in England.  This would further ensure that children’s rights are woven into policy, law and practice in England and enable people to rely on their rights in the courts.  Ultimately, incorporating the UNCRC in English law would improve the outcomes and experiences of our children and young people. 

We would like the Public Bill Committee consider explore with the Government what role children’s rights will play in their plans to improve children’s wellbeing and recommend that the Government set out their future approach to incorporation of the UNCRC.

January 2025