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Sarnia, ON - A dozen children from Sarnia-Lambton presented the area's first Children's Charter of Rights today at London Road School in Sarnia.
"The Best Start Planning Group worked with Lambton's children to develop this Charter which truly represents the voice of our children," said Sue O'Brien, Manager, County of Lambton Children's Services Department. "We heard from over 1000 children this spring and summer and we feel we have a Charter that accurately reflects their thoughts and wishes."
The Charter outlines 12 basic rights every child feels should be available to him / her. These include a right to:
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Basic Needs |
A Nurturing Home |
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Justice & Protection |
Culture, Faith & Beliefs |
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Be Different |
Play |
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Be Heard |
An Education |
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Make Friends |
Peace |
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Privacy |
Equal Access |
Plans for a Children's Charter of Rights began many months ago as part of the community's Best Start vision. "We really felt that developing a Charter of Rights would be the perfect opportunity to show how much we appreciate, value and respect the children in this community, said O'Brien. "This is an important part of ensuring that our children get the best start in life."
The Charter was recently presented to Lambton County Council for its endorsement, and the children received unanimous support from County Councillors.
"We are encouraging all individuals and organizations to embrace this Charter and to listen to the voices of our children," said Lambton County Warden Jim Burns. "The Harmony Youth Choir sang a song today called One Voice, and it really speaks to this project. The children have provided a united voice and it our responsibility to join in and to help them. We need everyone to help us make these rights come alive for all the children of our County."
To see the Children's Charter of Rights, visit www.lambtononline.ca/best_startor call the County of Lambton Children's Services Department at 519 383-8331 x3592.
For more information about Lambton County, visit www.lambtononline.ca.
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Contact:
Sue O'Brien
Manager, Children's Services
County of Lambton
Telephone: 519 383-8331
email: sue.obrien@county-lambton.on.ca
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