Ratification by Australia of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990 acted as a potent stimulus for a series of debates and controversies concerning the place of children in Australian society. The debate has largely taken place in relatively specialized forums involving lawyers, members of the judiciary, social philosophers, child advocates, and members of other interest groups. This book is designed to make the processes and outcomes of these debates accessible to a much broader audience. Contributors include some of Australia's foremost commentators on children's rights and child policy. Chapters are: (1) "Children's Rights: Setting the Scene" (Kathleen Funder); (2) "Reflections on Children's Rights" (Margaret M. Coady); (3) "Self, Self-Esteem and Sense of Place: An Australian Framework for Children's Rights Claims in the 1990s" (Moira Rayner); (4) "Children's Rights and Family Law" (John Faulks); (5) "Children's Rights in School Education" (Robert Ludbrook); (6) "The Child Protection and Welfare System" (Judy Cashmore and Sally Castell-McGregor); (7) "Kids, Cops, Lock Ups and the Convention on the Rights of the Child" (Danny Sandor); (8) "Medical Procedures for Children" (Loane Skene); and (9) "Income Support for Children and Young People" (Anthony King). Each chapter contains references. (LPP)