On the edge of adulthood

1. Newcastle, September 2013 On the edge of adulthood All images produced under creative commons licence; some presented as black and white.

2. League of Nations - 1924 Mankind owes to the child the best it has to give • the child that is hungry must be fed; • the child that is sick must be nursed; • the child that is backward must be helped; • the delinquent child must be reclaimed; • and the orphan and the waif must be sheltered and succored • (Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child)

3. United Nations Convention 1989- Theory and practice • UN Convention on the Rights of the Child applies to those up to 18 unless age of majority achieved earlier. • It should ensure the best interests of the child are realised: • prevent child suffering harm; • protect against discrimination; • ensure provision of essentials; • encourage participation in decisions.

4. Home life • Parent, guardian or appointed carer. • Residency. • Parental responsibilities and child rights. Criminal justice • 10 MACR England (8/12 Scotland) • 18 to sit on jury or serve as police • 17 detention by police (Eng)

5. School and/or work? School leaving age; Minimum work age; Minimum wage.

6. Marriage/Civil partnership • England and Wales: 16 with parental consent; 18 otherwise. • Scotland: 16 years, no consent requirement. Consensual sexual relationships • Sexual relations: 16 years (same or opposite sex): • Exception position of trust-- ‘child’ 16-18 years; ‘adult’ over 18.

7. Random age limits? ?

8. Evolving capacity?

9. Towards the future • Protect • --- but support evolving capacity • Respect • ---- recognise individuality • Promote • --- awareness of rights • Fulfil • ---- monitor