Policy Press

Advancing Children’s Rights in Detention

A Model for International Reform

By Ursula Kilkelly and Pat Bergin

Published

Nov 15, 2022

Page count

224 pages

ISBN

978-1529213225

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Nov 2, 2021

Page count

224 pages

ISBN

978-1529213218

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Nov 2, 2021

Page count

224 pages

ISBN

978-1529213232

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Nov 2, 2021

Page count

224 pages

ISBN

978-1529213232

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Advancing Children’s Rights in Detention

The UN Global Study on Children Deprived of Liberty detailed many children’s poor experiences in detention, highlighting the urgent need for reform.

Applying a child-centred model of detention that fulfils the rights of the child under the five themes of provision, protection, participation, preparation and partnership, this original book illustrates how reform can happen. Drawing on Ireland’s experience of transforming law, policy and practice, and combining theory with real-life experiences, this compelling book demonstrates how children’s rights can be implemented in detention.

This important case study of reform presents a powerful argument for a progressive, rights-based approach to child detention. Worthy of international application, the book shares practical insights into how theory can be translated into practice.

"A nuanced, detailed, critical analysis of a child-centred approach to detention with a unique focus on practical application of child rights theory, policy and standards. A must-read for every child rights advocate who cares about youth justice." Nancy E. Dowd, University of Florida

"This book constitutes a tour de force in presenting an advanced theoretical approach, based on practical experience, to propose a theory of change that should inspire all practitioners willing to engage in the complex process of bringing together the rights of the child and the context of detention with regard to international standards. One of the main strengths of this book is that it is based on practical experience conducted over a period of several years; it is not an abstract theory, but the result of conclusive experience, documented and evaluated to a very high standard." Benoit Van Keirsbilck, Member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child and of the Advisory Board of the Global Study on Children Deprived of Liberty

Ursula Kilkelly is Professor of Law in the School of Law at University College Cork. She is chairperson of the Board of Management, Oberstown Children Detention Campus.

Pat Bergin was the first Director of Oberstown Children Detention Campus. He is now Head of Service at the National Forensic Mental Health Service.

Introduction

1 Children’s Rights in Detention

2 An International Perspective

3 Irish Youth Justice Law and Policy

4 Introducing Child Detention in Ireland

5 Oberstown and the Process of Change

6 Implementing Children’s Rights in Detention

7 Children’s Rights to Protection from Harm

8 Staff Wellbeing and Communication

9 International and National Influences and Advocacy

10 Reflections: Enablers and Barriers to Reform