Since the dawn of devolution in 1999, Wales has proudly positioned itself as a nation that puts children’s rights at the heart of policy. But for too many babies, children, and young people – especially those in need of extra support – that promise remains unfulfilled.
Behind the Welsh government’s rhetorical commitment to children’s rights lies a troubling truth: families across the country face inconsistent access to crucial services. Support often depends on a postcode lottery and when funding is tight, non-statutory services are first to be cut. The result is that public services continue to struggle with addressing what a rights-based approach truly means in practice.
Bil Pob Plentyn: A Law for Every Child
This is why I think it’s time for change. Concrete, coordinated action is needed and a bold new legislative proposal lays out exactly what this should look like. This week marked a significant milestone in achieving this goal with the official launch of Bil Pob Plentyn (A Law for Every Child).
This bold new legislative proposal is the result of work by myself as chair of two cross-party groups in the Senedd in collaboration with Voice from Care Cymru, Children in Wales, and 20 other organisations. We are calling on political parties across Wales to commit to adopting the proposal to enshrine a legally protected ‘right for every child’ in Welsh law in their manifestos.
Central to the plan is the call for a cabinet secretary for babies, children, and young people with the authority to ensure cross-government accountability for children’s rights.
This legislative proposal – developed by key stakeholders and cross-party groups in the Senedd – urges Wales to fully incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Welsh law. It also calls for increased powers for the Children’s Commissioner, transferring accountability from government to the Senedd and giving a voice to young people by making it a statutory duty for the government to respond to the Welsh youth parliament.
Guaranteeing children’s rights to services
But the heart of this proposal lies in ensuring rights to services – not just ambitions but enforceable entitlements. This includes:
- A statutory right to early intervention and trauma-informed support for families.
- Priority mental healthcare for care-experienced children, extending support up to age 25.
- Stronger legal rights for disabled children and those with additional learning needs, including faster assessments, respite care, and extended access to appropriate education.
- Independent advocacy for children in care and at risk, and for care-experienced parents.
However, some changes require powers not yet devolved to Wales. The proposal urges the next Welsh government to push for devolution of welfare, policing, family justice, and equality laws so Wales can create a truly rights-based system for all children.
A challenge to Wales
This proposal is not just a policy wish list, it’s a challenge. A challenge to politicians to act decisively. A challenge to voters to demand more than words. And above all, a challenge to Wales to live up to its promise.
We have the opportunity to build a nation where every child’s rights are not only recognised but realised in law. The question is: will we take it?
If you would like a copy of Bil Pob Plentyn or would like to find out more, please do not hesitate to contact my office at Jane.Dodds@Senedd.Wales.
