Children's Commissioner for England

Maggie Atkinson is the Children's Commissioner for England. The Commissioner and her team make sure that adults in charge listen to children and young people.

The role of the Children's Commissioner was created by the Children Act 2004 and is there to promote the views of children and young people from birth to 18 (up to 21 for young people in care or with learning difficulties).

What does the Children's Commissioner do?
Listens to what children and young people have to say and speaks up for them.

Speaks up for children who are often not listened to like disabled children, asylum seekers, children with mental health problems and those who get into trouble with the law.

Informs the Government and other people who make important decisions what children and young people like to do and what they are concerned about.

Use her unique power to enter places where children live to speak to them and find out how they are being treated. Pass on the views and experiences of children and young people to the media.

Investigate complaints procedures for children and young people, to make sure that they work.

What the Commissioner Cant do...

Help individual children and young people with their problems.

Force the Government, schools and services to change.

Work on issues that aren’t relevant to children and young people in England.

Vision
Children and young people will be actively involved in shaping all decisions that affect their lives, are supported to achieve their full potential through the provision of appropriate services, and will live in homes and communities where their rights are respected and they are loved, safe and enjoy life.

Mission
We will use our powers and independence to ensure that the views of children and young people are routinely asked for, listened to and that outcomes for children improve over time. We will do this in partnership with others, by bringing children and young people into the heart of the decision-making process to increase understanding of their best interests.

How can young people have their say?
Children and young people can have their say by answering questions, creating shapes in Shape It! and uploading content such as videos, PowerPoint presentations and photographs to the children's commissioners website. Their views are used to shape our policies and influence decision-makers.

The Children's Commissioner website is very good very attractive and easy for children and young people to understand, however I think the biggest problem is that children don't know that it exists! I did not know we had a children's commissioner and I have asked round a number of friends/family adults and children and no one has any idea about it!
The website is a fantastic resource for children however I think its a great shame that it is not getting to the children and young people that really need it!