Throughout history, the advance of civilization has been closely tied to the idea that all people have rights: universal, inalienable entitlements to freedom, dignity and security, to be treated fairly and to live free from oppression. The health and soul of all societies depend on how these human rights are recognized--and acted upon. Until the…

Discusses the evolution of children's rights in Western nations. Children have progressed from property to partial person status. The movement toward greater self-determination for children will require the expertise of psychologists in assessing individual levels of development. (DM)