Our opinions were being compiled into a report for the Canadian delegation attending the U.N. General Assembly on Children in September, 2001. In school - Parents and teachers have joint custody of children, and parents need to be viewed as equal partners in their children s education. Students need to have a voice in decisions concerning them. Children need to be protected from abuse at school, whether it is bullying from a fellow student or from teachers. Children s Advocates have no jurisdiction over schools, yet we know that stresses on teachers in the classroom are increasing.
Student ratios are high and there are a greater proportion of students with special needs.
At home - Families are stressed and families who do acknowledge a need for help, cannot find it in our community. Parents do not know where to turn when they see their children becoming mentally ill or are becoming aggressive. We see children coming to school without breakfast, and standing in line at food banks. We see children becoming victims of abuse, neglect, and violence. There have been health problems in some communities due to environmental pollution.