Children's Bill of Rights, 1959

GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF CHILDREN'S CHARTER

Following is the exact text of the Children's Bill of Rights as drafted in1959. Much of the language is obsolete and certain principles are outside the realm of our current program initiatives, but these general ideas continue to guide and inspire our work.

All children, regardless of race, color or creed, possess certain birthrights. This bill of rights, established in 1959, serves as the guiding principles for Children's Charter. Each and every child has the right to:

1. Affection and intelligent guidance of understanding parents.
2. Be raised in a decent home with adequate food, clothing, and shelter.
3. The benefits for religious guidance and training.
4. A school program which, in addition to sound academic training, offers maximum opportunity for individual development and preparation for living.
5. Receive constructive discipline for the proper development of good character, conduct and habits.
6. Security in the community against all influences detrimental to proper and wholesome development.
7. Individual selection of free and wholesome recreation.
8. Live in a community in which adults practice the belief that the welfare of their children is of primary importance.
9. Receive good adult example.
10. A job commensurate with ability, training and experience and protection against physical or moral employment hazards which adversely affect wholesome development.
11. Early diagnosis and treatment of physical handicaps and mental and social maladjustment, at public expense whenever necessary.