ABSTRACT

Everyday Law for Children provides an accessible introduction to laws that affect children and families and the dominant public debates that surround and drive these laws. Using real-world examples, the book exposes the tension between reliance on the private, autonomous family and the public's desire to secure child well-being. A look at some public systems, such as child welfare and juvenile delinquency, shows that an initial public aspiration to assist children and families is often frustrated by a lack of resolve and resources. In other areas, such as education and healthcare, the public shrinks from a commitment to comprehensive child well-being. Everyday Law for Children makes a case for the improvement of public systems by focusing on pragmatic goals related to child well-being. More immediately, it makes a case for zealous advocates for children who can have a dramatic impact on children's everyday lives. Accordingly, the book provides an annotated list of resources and contact information for parents and for service providers who need help addressing specific problems within complex public systems.

chapter |31 pages

Introduction

Legal Theories and Approaches Affecting Children

part |90 pages

Active Public Support for Child Well-Being

chapter |28 pages

Welfare

part |116 pages

Public Resistance to a Comprehensive Child Well-Being Approach

chapter |30 pages

Public Education

chapter |29 pages

Health Care

chapter |24 pages

Conclusion