2010 Children’s Law Awards

Nominations have now opened for the 2010 Children’s Law Awards (Awards).  Organised by the National Children’s Youth and Law Centre (NCYLC) and Mallesons Stephen Jaques, the Awards will be presented by the Attorney General, The Honourable Robert McClelland MP, on Friday 16 April 2010.

The Awards recognise and reward the achievements and commitment of individuals and organisations who advance the legal rights and interests of children and young people in Australia.

The Awards will also raise awareness of the legal issues and questions affecting children and young people in Australia today, including: Are Australian children adequately protected by the justice and welfare systems? Why has the number of children found to be at risk of abuse or neglect and children under care and protection orders, risen significantly? How can children best participate in legal proceedings and processes affecting their rights?

Through highlighting these important legal issues, the Awards serve as a means to focus the Australian community on the need to continually promote, advocate for and represent children’s legal rights.

Nominations are sought in the following Award categories and are open to both individuals and organisations:

• The National Award for Outstanding Legal Representation of the Rights and Interests of Children and Young People;
• The National Award for Outstanding Advocacy in Policy or Law Reform to Advance the Legal Rights and Interests of Children and Young People; and
• The Media Award for Raising Awareness of Important Children’s Legal Rights Issues.

Nominations close on Friday 19th February.  The Awards will be presented on Friday 16 April 2010, during National Youth Week.

For more information on the awards, or to download a nomination form, visit http://www.ncylc.org.au