What can be done to ensure a child's right to participate in decisions affecting their lives is respected?

To ensure a child’s right to participate in decisions affecting their lives is respected, Virginia has taken multiple steps to protect children. Through the Department of Social Services, Virginia has enacted the Child Advocacy Law which requires that before any major decision is made concerning a child, they must be informed of the issue and given the opportunity to present their opinion. Additionally, if the child is not capable of expressing their opinion due to their age and/or maturity then advocates such as legal representatives, guardians, or social services representatives must be consulted. Virginia has also taken steps to ensure that children are not being pushed into decisions made without their input by creating the Part IV of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Rules. These outlines the process in which the child’s opinion must be considered and outlines the parties who must be consulted if the child is not capable of doing so on their own. Additionally, the Virginia Code requires the Department of Social Services to use the best interest of the child standard when making decisions. Overall, Virginia has taken multiple steps to ensure a child’s right to participate in decisions affecting their lives is appreciated. It is important that these laws maintain their level of enforcement to ensure that children are having their voices heard and their right to participation is being taken into account.

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What can be done to ensure a child's right to participate in decisions affecting their lives is respected?

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