Article 25 of the UNCRC says that someone who works for the government should check up on the care, protection and health of children and young people when they’re away from their families. If these aren’t good enough, then steps should be taken to make them better.
This article applies where a child or young person is in the State’s care and where they’re in private institutions. It exists to protect a child or young person and their rights when they’re away from your home, making sure their best interests are acted on.
When countries follow Article 25, it can allow State care to be maintained to a higher standard than it might otherwise be, and can ensure other UNCRC rights are protected. It can also make sure that the best interests of a child or young person are protected while they remain in State care.
Where does Article 25 apply?
Article 25 applies to everywhere that cares for children and young people, including places that don’t have caring as their primary purpose.
Some places covered by Article 25 are:
- care homes
- the home, if a child or young person is adopted or in foster care
- hospitals
- residential schools
- boarding schools
- prisons
- detention centres
- rehabilitation centres
A right to a say
Article 25 is about monitoring the care children and young people receive as individuals, rather than the care of children and young people in general. Because of this, the opinions of each child and young person about their care should be taken into account when this care is assessed, and their opinions should be taken seriously.