Advice for Professionals Working with Children in Wales
If you work with children and young people in Wales and you’re concerned their rights aren’t being upheld, you can get in touch with our team.
Our Children’s Rights Advice and Assistance Team provides free, independent guidance for professionals who want to make sure their practice and policies put children first.
Whether you’re a teacher, social worker, youth worker, or healthcare practitioner, we can help you understand the UNCRC and how it’s relevant to you.
Understanding Your Duties Under the UNCRC
In Wales, children’s rights are protected by law through the Rights of Children and Young Persons (Wales) Measure 2011 and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
This means the Welsh Government must take children’s rights into account when making decisions that affect them.
We support professionals to:
- Recognise children and young people as rights-holders
- Ensure their voices are heard in decision-making
- Act in their best interests at all times
- Consider how policies and practices impact their wellbeing
Explore: A Children’s Rights Approach in Wales
How We Can Support Professionals
We offer advice and guidance on:
- Children’s Rights Impact Assessments (CRIAs)
- Best practice for participation and consultation with children
- Complaints processes / navigating complaints processes / making complaints involving children’s services
- Whistleblowing or safeguarding concerns
- Embedding rights-based approaches within organisations
If you’re unsure how children’s rights apply to a specific case or policy, contact our team for advice.
When to Contact Us
All advice is confidential and designed to support professionals to act confidently and lawfully.
You can contact us if you:
- Need clarity on how to apply the UNCRC in practice
- Want to understand how to respond to a child’s complaint
- Are creating a policy or procedure that affects children
- Would like help reviewing your organisation’s rights approach
How to Get in Touch
Freephone: 0808 801 1000
Email: advice@childcomwales.org.uk
Advice Line Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm
When you contact us, one of our advisers will
- Listen to your situation
- Identify relevant rights
- Provide written guidance or follow-up resources
Common Questions (FAQs)
What is a Children’s Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA)?
A CRIA is a tool used to assess how a policy, law, or decision affects children’s rights. We can help you complete or review one.
Can I contact you about a child protection issue?
Yes — we can guide you on how to report safeguarding concerns, but if a child is in immediate danger, contact your local social services or the police.
Do you offer training or workshops?
We regularly provide resources and training materials to help professionals embed rights-based practice. Can I remain anonymous if I raise a concern? Yes, we can discuss your options confidentially.
Resources for Professionals
- Children’s Rights Approach Toolkit
- CRIA Guidance for Public Bodies
- Whistleblowing and Complaints Procedures
- Training and Support Materials
Related Pages
- Advice for Children and Young People
- Advice for Parents and Carers
- About the Advice and Assistance Team
Urgent Safeguarding Concerns
If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, contact:
- Local Social Services: via your local authority
- NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
- Emergency: Call 999