Children's rights |
Children have historically been deprived of many of the rights that adults enjoy. In the last fifty years, those rights have expanded. Children now have rights that are recognized in cases involving abuse or neglect by a parent or in receiving compensation for their injuries. Our office works with children and their families to protect their fundamental rights.
Ms. Waugh has dedicated her legal career to improving the lives of West Virginia’s children. She has served both Berkeley and Kanawha Counties as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, prosecuting perpetrators of child abuse. Ms. Waugh also served as chairperson of the West Virginia State Bar Commission on Children and the Law and was appointed by the West Virginia Supreme Court to serve on two separate committees to work to improve the lives of West Virginia’s children.
Since 1959, the United Nations has recognized certain children’s rights. Many of these rights are incorporated into the laws of the United States and West Virginia. They include the right to:
- Be safe and cared for by his or family
- Not to be separated for his her family except when the child may be harmed
- Freedom of thought, conscious, and religion
- For the government to ensure the survival and development of the child to the maximum extent possible
- Be free from discrimination
WHAT TO DO IF YOU BELIEVE A CHILD HAS BEEN DEPRIVED OF THEIR RIGHTS
MAKE SURE THAT THE CHILD IS SAFE. If you believe that a child is being physically harmed or emotionally abused, report the situation to law enforcement officials and the West Virginia Department of Human Services.
LINK TO HOTLINE NUMBER. In some cases, an adult may also apply to the court for an order of protection for a minor child when a child is being abused.
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR THE CHILD. Be sure that the child is receiving appropriate medical attention.
SEEK ADVICE. Many children’s rights are related to educational and correctional institutions. Others maybe addressed through public benefit programs. The complicated involvement between the child’s rights and public institutions will require that the matter be throughly reviewed by an attorney with experience in these areas.
SEEK FINANCIAL RECOVERY FOR DAMAGES. If the violation of a child’s rights results in damages, it may be possible to seek recovery from the governmental institution or private party responsible for those damages.
If you believe that a child’s fundamental rights have been violated, we welcome the opportunity to evaluate the case and work with you to find a remedy for this violation. Contact our office to arrange for a free consultation with Ms. Waugh. Please be aware that we do not generally offer free consultation or representation to families involved in civil custody disputes or “custody battles” with other family members, but may be able to refer you to appropriate resources.