Children's Charter of Rights

The Children’s Charter of Rights is a document that outlines a vision to make Wellington, Dufferin, and Guelph better places for children and families. It includes a series of statements that outline the responsibilities that our communities have for ensuring healthy development and bright futures for all of our children.

Based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Charter was made unique to our community through the leadership of the Wellington Children’s Services Council and the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Coalition for Report Cards on the Well-Being of Children. It was refined using a process of consensus among service agencies and committees with a focus on children. The Charter was launched on June 21, 2007.

The Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Children’s Charter of Rights has been endorsed by 58 organizations in Wellington County, Dufferin County, and Guelph, including political councils, community organizations, and local businesses. Endorsement of the Children’s Charter signifies the intent to act in accordance with the values and principles of the Charter.

The overwhelmingly positive response to our request for endorsements of the Children’s Charter of Rights makes a compelling statement about our collective intent to support and advocate for the rights of children, and a recognition that we have a duty to support families and children by putting their health and well-being first. Organizations will continue to use the Children’s Charter to guide and direct their commitment to children.

The selection of information and statistics included in this Report Card was guided by each of the rights in the Children’s Charter, and these data can be useful to all of us in examining whether the current health and well-being of children in our communities reflect a realization of their rights.