The Masterpiece Mom

Home » Misc » How to protect your child social security number

How to protect your child social security number


How to Protect Your Child From Identity Theft

Through December 31, 2023, Experian, TransUnion and Equifax will offer all U.S. consumers free weekly credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com to help you protect your financial health during the sudden and unprecedented hardship caused by COVID-19.

In this article:
  • What Is Child Identity Theft?
  • How to Protect Your Child’s Identity
  • Warning Signs of Child Identity Theft
  • What to Do if Your Child's Identity Is Stolen

For all their evil ways, identity thieves cannot be accused of age discrimination: They gladly prey on children and adults alike, and the consequences for children can be even more extensive than those for grown-ups. The steps outlined below can help prevent your children from being victimized.

What Is Child Identity Theft?

Child identity theft is a special case of identity theft involving the criminal abuse of personal information belonging to minors, including Social Security numbers (SSNs), dates of birth and home addresses. The nonprofit Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) cites a 2018 study that found that more than 1 million children were targeted for identity theft in 2017, underscoring the significance of the problem.

Crooks can use children's personal data the same ways they do adults', for purposes including:

  • Applying for and opening credit card accounts
  • Obtaining loans
  • Seeking unemployment, Social Security benefits or other government services
  • Opening bogus bank accounts for use in fraudulent money transfers

Child identity theft is especially pernicious because children typically don't receive the bank statements, credit card bills and other communications that can alert adults to suspicious financial activity. This means child identity theft can go on for years before it is detected, spawning multiple bogus accounts or loans, all of which can damage the child's credit. While that damage can be undone with time and effort, child identity theft can come to light at a devastating time—when the child's first student loan application is denied, or when the credit check for a first job throws up a red flag, for instance.

Criminals take advantage of the fact that parents—even those who carefully track their own credit and financial histories—may not think to safeguard their children's personal data and credit.

How to Protect Your Child's Identity

Identity thieves constantly devise new schemes for tricking victims into giving up personal information, as well as new means of exploiting personal data. As an example, criminals capitalized on the COVID-19 pandemic with bogus assistance offers aimed at capturing personal information, while also using stolen credentials to falsely claim COVID-relief benefits. Criminal resourcefulness makes it difficult to anticipate every approach fraudsters will use, but a set of basic precautions will go far toward preventing child identity theft.

Consider Security Freezes on Your Child's Credit Reports

There's no reason for most children to have credit reports, since it's illegal for anyone under 16 to apply for a loan or credit card in their own name. Fraudulent loan and credit card applications can generate credit reports, however, and by the time you or the child discovers them, they could be full of unpaid accounts.

You can nip this in the bud by requesting a security freeze for your child at each of the three national credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax). When you request a security freeze, the bureau creates a credit report for your child and then locks it down, so that any lender who attempts to process an application that uses your child's credentials will be denied access to their credit history. This prevents any loans or credit cards from being issued in the child's name. When the child reaches legal age and wants to apply for credit, the freeze can be lifted by contacting each credit bureau individually.

Safeguard Children's Social Security Numbers

You should never share a child's Social Security number with anyone who doesn't have a very good reason for having it—which means it's smart to ask anyone who requests it why they need it. The IRS requires the child's SSN when you're setting up a 529 college savings plan or claiming your child as a dependent, but their day camp and martial arts academy won't really need it. If they insist, you can refuse and seek services elsewhere, or provide the last four digits of the SSN, but beware: Even the "last four" can be useful to identity thieves. Keep your child's Social Security card in a secure place such as a safety deposit box and memorize the number so you don't have to write it down anywhere.

Monitor Your Child's Personal Information

If your child starts receiving credit offers in the mail, or if you see unexpected activity on their email, phone or bank accounts, their personal information may have been compromised. When you first give your children their own phones, advise them that caller ID can't always be trusted, and calls that appear to be from banks or other trusted institutions may be scams.

Although a phone number may seem innocuous, identity thieves can use your child's phone number to get access to accounts. Many companies use a phone number for identity verification, and caller ID spoofing allows identity thieves to make your child's phone number appear when they call one of these companies. They also use automated callers (hoping to get your child to type in or record information), and some may even impersonate institutions and call your child directly.

Pay Attention to Privacy Policies

Practically all organizations that gather data on kids have privacy policies that detail how the child's private information will be used and protected. Reading these policies can help you identify potential risks to your child's information. If in doubt, never hesitate to ask questions, and don't disclose your child's information if you're not comfortable with what you see in the policy.

Use Your Own Personal Information Instead of Your Child's

It's easy to share kids' personal information without thinking about it—and kids often are eager to do so—enrolling in a restaurant's birthday club to get free dessert, for example. And even if retailers don't abuse your child's information, none are immune to data theft that can expose kids' personal info. To protect your child's personal information, attach their accounts to your email or phone number, rather than the child's, to help you pick up on any suspicious activity.

Avoid Oversharing on Social Media

Identity thieves comb social media for personal information—from birthdays and addresses to clues about security questions such as "What's your first pet's name?" or "Where did you go to elementary school?" Minimizing the amount of information you share about your kids, limiting your sharing options to "friends" (rather than "public") and confining your circle of "friends" to people you trust and know personally can reduce the risk of exposing children's personal information.

Monitor Your Child's Social Media and Other Online Activity

Think carefully and do research before you allow a minor child to have a social media account attached to their real name. Insist that they make you part of their shared network so you can monitor what they're sharing and with whom. And keep in mind that your child may have access to the internet and smartphones at school or friends' houses, even if you limit or forbid those activities at home. Explain to your children why you're concerned, and advise them on the kinds of information they should never disclose.

Keep Your Home Safe

A burglary that results in theft of birth certificates, passports or Social Security cards could enable child identity theft. Always lock doors and windows, set an alarm if you have one, and keep valuable documents offsite, in a safety deposit box or in a safe. (A strongbox could protect your documents in case of fire, but a thief could easily take it away.)

Teach Your Children Well

It's important for kids to understand identity theft risks. Find age-appropriate ways to talk to children about the topic. Make them aware that phone calls, text messages and emails aren't always from who they purport to be, and that they should check with you before responding to any of those that seek personal information. Let them know it's OK to hang up on an adult who asks for sensitive information, no matter who they claim to be.

Warning Signs of Child Identity Theft

Detecting child identity theft can be difficult, but there are some signs to watch for:

  • Offers for credit cards, auto insurance or other age-inappropriate "junk mail" addressed to your child.
  • Unexpected bills addressed to your child.
  • Collection notices that arrive by mail or phone, targeting your child.
  • Denial of government benefits for your child on the basis that they've already been paid to someone using your child's Social Security number.
  • A letter from the IRS saying your child owes taxes. (Phone calls purporting to be from the IRS are almost always scams; the IRS communicates with taxpayers only by mail.)

What to Do if Your Child's Identity Is Stolen

If you suspect your child is a victim of identity theft, your first step should be to check his or her credit reports at all three national credit bureaus, which you can do for free at AnnualCreditReport. com.

Unless you've had credit reports created for purposes of security freezes, your child probably won't have a credit report on file at the bureaus. If credit reports already exist when you request a security freeze you should look into the possibility of fraud:

  • Notify all three national credit bureaus that fraud may have occurred using your child's credit report and ask them to investigate.
  • Notify the business or financial institution that issued the credit or loan, using contact information that appears on the credit report(s). Let the lender know the account was fraudulently opened in the name of your minor child and ask them to investigate.
  • File a police report with your local law enforcement agency.
  • File a fraud report with the FTC online or by calling 877-438-4338.

Experian has more resources on fraud and identity theft to help you and your family stay informed.

Child identity theft is an ugly side effect of the information age, but attention and caution can help prevent it, or minimize the damage when it occurs. Taking prudent precautions such as applying a security freeze or using a family identity protection program such as Experian IdentityWorksSM can help keep children's personal information secure.

How To Protect Your Child From Identity Theft

Learn what child identity theft is, how to detect it, how to protect your child’s personal information, and what to do if someone steals your child’s identity.

  • What Is Child Identity Theft?
  • How To Protect Your Child’s Personal Information
  • How To Know if Someone Is Using Your Child’s Personal Information
  • What To Do if Someone Is Using Your Child’s Personal Information

What Is Child Identity Theft?

Child identity theft happens when someone takes a child’s sensitive personal information and uses it to get services or benefits, or to commit fraud. They might use your child’s Social Security number, name and address, or date of birth. They could use the stolen information to

  • apply for government benefits, like health care coverage or nutrition assistance
  • open a bank or credit card account
  • apply for a loan
  • sign up for a utility service, like water or electricity
  • rent a place to live

How To Protect Your Child’s Personal Information

Here’s what you can do to protect your child from identity theft.

Ask questions before giving anyone your child’s Social Security number

If your child’s school asks for your child’s Social Security number, ask these questions:

  1. Why do you need it?
  2. How will you protect it?
  3. Can you use a different identifier?
  4. Can you use just the last four digits of the Social Security number?

Protect documents with personal information

If you have documents with your child’s personal information, like medical bills or their Social Security card, keep them in a safe place, like a locked file cabinet.

When you decide to get rid of those documents, shred them before you throw them away. If you don’t have a shredder, look for a local shred day.

Delete personal information before disposing of a computer or cell phone

Your computer and phone might contain personal information about your child. Find out how to delete that information before you get rid of a computer or a cell phone.

How To Know if Someone Is Using Your Child’s Personal Information

In addition to taking steps to safeguard your child’s personal information, keep an eye out for warning signs that someone is using your child’s personal information. Here are a few:

  • You’re denied government benefits (like health care coverage or nutrition assistance) because someone is already using your child’s Social Security number to get those benefits.
  • Someone calls you and says your child has an overdue bill, but it’s not an account you opened for the child.
  • You get a letter from the IRS that says your child didn’t pay income taxes. This could happen if someone used your child’s Social Security number on tax forms for a new job.
  • You’re denied a student loan because your child has bad credit. This could happen if someone used your child’s Social Security number to get a credit card, open a cell phone account, or set up a utility service and has not paid the bills on time or at all.

Signs of Child Identity Theft

  • Turned down for government benefits
  • Calls about bills in your child’s name
  • Letter from the IRS about taxes your child owes
  • Child’s student loan application is denied

Check if your child has a credit report

Generally, a child under 18 won’t have a credit report unless someone is using his or her information for fraud. A good way to find out if someone is using your child’s information to commit fraud is to check if your child has a credit report. To do that, contact the three credit bureaus (find their contact information at IdentityTheft.gov) and ask for a manual search for your child's Social Security number. You may have to give the credit bureaus a copy of

  • your driver’s license or other government-issued identification card
  • proof of your address, like a utility bill, or a credit card or insurance statement
  • your child’s birth certificate
  • your child’s Social Security card

If you’re not the child’s parent, you may have to give the credit bureaus a copy of documents that prove you are the child’s legal guardian.

When Your Child Turns 16

When your child turns 16, you may want to check if there’s a credit report in his or her name. This could help you spot identity theft, since children under 18 usually don’t have a credit report. If there’s inaccurate information in your child’s credit report, you’ll have time to correct it before he or she applies for a job, a college loan, a car loan, or a credit card, or tries to rent a place to live.

What To Do if Someone Is Using Your Child’s Personal Information

If you discover that someone is using your child’s personal information, here’s what to do right away:

Step 1: Report and close the fraudulent accounts

Contact the companies where fraud happened. Tell each company’s fraud department that someone opened an account using your child’s information, and ask them to close the account. Ask for written confirmation that says that your child isn’t responsible for the account.

Contact the three credit bureaus. Tell each credit bureau that someone opened an account using your child’s information. Ask them to remove any fraudulent accounts from your child’s credit report.

Step 2: Freeze your child’s credit report

If your child is under 16, you can request a free credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, to make it harder for someone to open new accounts in your child's name. The freeze stays in place until you tell the credit bureaus to remove it. (Minors who are 16 or 17 can request and remove a security freeze themselves.)

To activate a credit freeze, contact each of the three credit bureaus. Find their contact information at IdentityTheft.gov.

Step 3: Report child identity theft

Report the child identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. Include as many details as possible.

 

Child Identity Theft - What to Know, What to Do

This brochure for parents explains what child identity theft is and what to do if it happens to your child.  

Order free copies

 

 

Convention on the Rights of the Child - Conventions and agreements - Declarations, conventions, agreements and other legal materials

that, in accordance with the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, recognition of the inherent dignity, equal and inalienable rights of all members of society is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace on earth,

Considering that the peoples of the United Nations have reaffirmed in the Charter their faith in fundamental human rights and in the dignity and worth of the human person and are determined to promote social progress and better living conditions in greater freedom,

Recognizing that the Organization United Nations, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 2 and in the International Covenants on Human Rights 3 , has proclaimed and agreed that everyone should enjoy all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction of any kind on grounds such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, birth or other circumstances,

reminding that the United Nations, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, proclaimed that children are entitled to special care and assistance,

convinced that the family, as the fundamental unit of society and the natural environment for the growth and well-being of all of its members, and especially children, must be given the necessary protection and assistance to enable her to fully assume her responsibilities within society,

recognizing that a child, for the full and harmonious development of his personality, needs to grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding,

considering that a child must be fully Charter of the United Nations, and especially in the spirit of peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality and solidarity,

Considering that the need for such special protection of the child was provided for in the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child 1924 4 and the Declaration of the Rights of the Child adopted by the General Assembly on November 20, 1959 1 , in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (in particular in article 10) 3 , as well as in the statutes and relevant documents of specialized institutions and international organizations dealing with the welfare of children,

considering that, as stated in the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, “the child, because of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special protection and care, including appropriate legal protection, both before and after birth” 5 ,

Recalling the provisions of the Declaration on Social and Legal Principles Concerning the Protection and Welfare of Children, Especially in the Placement and Adoption of Children at the National and International Levels 6 , United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (“Beijing Rules”) 7 and Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Emergencies and in Armed Conflict 8 ,

recognizing

giving due consideration to the importance of the traditions and cultural values ​​of each people for the protection and harmonious development of the child,

recognizing the importance of international cooperation to improve the living conditions of children in every country, in particular in developing countries,

agreed on the following:

Part I

Article 1

For the purposes of this Convention, a child is every human being under the age of 18 years unless, under the law applicable to the child, the majority is reached earlier.

Article 2

1. States Parties shall respect and ensure all the rights provided for in this Convention to every child within their jurisdiction, without discrimination of any kind, regardless of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinions, national, ethnic or social origin, property status, state of health and birth of the child, his parents or legal guardians, or any other circumstances.

2. States Parties shall take all necessary measures to ensure that the child is protected from all forms of discrimination or punishment based on the status, activities, views or beliefs expressed by the child, the child's parents, legal guardians or other family members.

Article 3

1. In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private welfare agencies, courts, administrative or legislative authorities, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.

2. States Parties undertake to ensure to the child such protection and care as is necessary for his well-being, taking into account the rights and duties of his parents, guardians or other persons legally responsible for him, and to this end, adopt all appropriate legislative and administrative measures.

3. Member States shall ensure that the institutions, services and bodies responsible for the care or protection of children comply with the standards laid down by the competent authorities, in particular in the field of safety and health and in terms of the number and suitability of their staff, as well as competent supervision.

Article 4

States Parties shall take all necessary legislative, administrative and other measures to give effect to the rights recognized in this Convention. With regard to economic, social and cultural rights, participating States shall take such measures to the maximum extent of their available resources and, where necessary, within the framework of international cooperation.

Article 5

States Parties shall respect the responsibility, rights and obligations of parents and, as appropriate, members of the extended family or community, as provided for by local custom, guardians or other persons legally responsible for the child, to adequately manage and direct the child in the exercise of the rights recognized by this Convention and to do so in accordance with the evolving capacities of the child.

Article 6

1. States Parties recognize that every child has the inalienable right to life.

2. States Parties shall ensure, to the greatest extent possible, the survival and development of the child.

Article 7

1. The child is registered immediately after birth and from the moment of birth has the right to a name and to acquire a nationality, and, as far as possible, the right to know his parents and the right to be cared for by them.

2. States Parties shall ensure the exercise of these rights in accordance with their national law and the fulfillment of their obligations under the relevant international instruments in this field, in particular where the child would otherwise be stateless.

Article 8

1. States Parties undertake to respect the right of the child to preserve his or her identity, including nationality, name and family ties, as provided by law, without unlawful interference.

2. If a child is unlawfully deprived of part or all of his or her identity, States Parties shall provide him with the necessary assistance and protection for the speedy restoration of his identity.

Article 9

1. States Parties shall ensure that a child shall not be separated from his or her parents against their will, unless the competent authorities, by judicial decision, determine in accordance with applicable law and procedures that such separation is necessary in the best interests of the child. Such a determination may be necessary in a particular case, for example, where the parents are abusive or neglectful of the child, or where the parents are separated and a decision needs to be made as to where the child lives.

2. In any proceeding under paragraph 1 of this article, all interested parties shall be given an opportunity to participate in the proceeding and to present their views.

3. States Parties shall respect the right of a child who is separated from one or both parents to maintain personal relations and direct contact with both parents on a regular basis, unless this is contrary to the best interests of the child.

4. Where such separation results from any decision taken by a State Party, such as arrest, imprisonment, expulsion, deportation or death (including death occurring for any reason while the person is in the custody of the State (c) one or both parents or a child, such State Party shall provide the parents, the child or, if necessary, another family member, at their request, with the necessary information regarding the whereabouts of the absent family member/members, unless the provision of this information is prejudicial to the well-being of the child. States Parties shall further ensure that the submission of such a request does not in itself lead to adverse consequences for the person(s) concerned.

Article 10

1. In accordance with the obligation of States Parties under Article 9, paragraph 1, applications by a child or his parents to enter or leave a State Party for the purpose of family reunification must be dealt with by States Parties in a positive, humane and expeditious manner . The participating States further ensure that such a request does not lead to adverse consequences for the applicants and their family members.

2. A child whose parents live in different States has the right to maintain, on a regular basis, except in special circumstances, personal relations and direct contact with both parents. To this end, and in accordance with the obligation of States Parties under article 9, paragraph 1,States Parties shall respect the right of the child and his parents to leave any country, including their own, and to return to their country. The right to leave any country shall be subject only to such restrictions as are prescribed by law and are necessary for the protection of national security, public order (ordre public), public health or morals, or the rights and freedoms of others, and are consistent with the other rights recognized in this Convention.

Article 11

1. States Parties shall take measures to combat the illegal movement and non-return of children from abroad.

2. To this end, the participating States shall promote the conclusion of bilateral or multilateral agreements or accession to existing agreements.

Article 12

1. States Parties shall ensure to the child who is capable of forming his own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child.

2. For this purpose, in particular, the child shall be given the opportunity to be heard in any judicial or administrative proceedings affecting the child, either directly or through a representative or an appropriate body, in a manner consistent with the procedural rules of national law.

Article 13

1. The child has the right to freely express his opinion; this right includes freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, whether orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other medium of the child's choice.

2. The exercise of this right may be subject to certain restrictions, but these restrictions may only be such as are provided by law and are necessary: ​​

a ) to respect the rights or reputations of others; or

b ) for the protection of national security or public order (ordre public), or public health or morals.

Article 14

1. States Parties shall respect the right of the child to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

2. States Parties shall respect the rights and obligations of parents and, where appropriate, legal guardians, to guide the child in the exercise of his right in a manner consistent with the evolving capacities of the child.

3. Freedom to manifest one's religion or belief may be subject only to such restrictions as are prescribed by law and are necessary for the protection of national security, public order, public morals or health, or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.

Article 15

1. States Parties recognize the right of the child to freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly.

2. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right other than such as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order (ordre public), public health or the morality of the population or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.

Article 16

1. No child shall be the object of arbitrary or unlawful interference with his or her right to privacy, family life, home or correspondence, or unlawful attack on his honor or reputation.

2. The child has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or abuse.

Article 17

States Parties recognize the important role of the media and ensure that the child has access to information and materials from a variety of national and international sources, especially such information and materials aimed at promoting social, spiritual and moral well-being and healthy physical and mental development of the child. To this end, participating States:

a ) encourage the media to disseminate information and materials useful to the child socially and culturally and in the spirit of article 29;

b ) encourage international cooperation in the preparation, exchange and dissemination of such information and materials from various cultural, national and international sources;

c ) encourage the production and distribution of children's literature;

d ) encourage the media to pay special attention to the language needs of a child belonging to a minority or indigenous group;

e ) encourage the development of appropriate principles for the protection of the child from information and material harmful to his well-being, taking into account the provisions of articles 13 and 18.

Article 18

1. States Parties shall make every possible effort to ensure that the principle of common and equal responsibility of both parents for the upbringing and development of the child is recognized. Parents, or where appropriate legal guardians, have the primary responsibility for the upbringing and development of the child. The best interests of the child are their primary concern.

2. In order to guarantee and promote the realization of the rights set forth in this Convention, States Parties shall provide parents and legal guardians with appropriate assistance in the performance of their duties in the upbringing of children and shall ensure the development of a network of childcare facilities.

3. Participating States shall take all necessary measures to ensure that children of working parents have the right to enjoy the services and institutions for the care of children.

Article 19

1. States Parties shall take all necessary legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or psychological violence, abuse or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, abuse or exploitation, including sexual abuse, by parents, legal guardians or any other person caring for the child.

2. Such protective measures shall include, as appropriate, effective procedures for the development of social programs to provide the necessary support to the child and those caring for him, as well as to carry out other forms of warning and detection, reporting, referral, investigation , treatment and follow-up for the cases of child abuse referred to above, and, if necessary, to initiate legal proceedings.

Article 20

1. A child who is temporarily or permanently deprived of his family environment or who, in his own best interests, cannot remain in such an environment shall be entitled to special protection and assistance provided by the State.

2. States Parties shall, in accordance with their national laws, provide for substitute care for such a child.

3. Such care may include, but is not limited to, placement in foster care, kafala under Islamic law, adoption or, if necessary, placement in appropriate child care institutions. When considering replacement options, due consideration should be given to the desirability of continuity in the child's upbringing and to the child's ethnic origin, religious and cultural affiliation and mother tongue.

Article 21

States Parties that recognize and/or permit the existence of an adoption system shall ensure that the best interests of the child are a primary consideration and they:

a ) ensure that the adoption of a child is authorized only by competent authorities who determine, in accordance with applicable law and procedures and on the basis of all relevant and reliable information, that the adoption is permissible in view of the status of the child in relation to parents, relatives and legal guardians and that where required, the persons concerned have given their informed consent to the adoption on the basis of such consultation as may be necessary;

b ) recognize that adoption in another country may be considered as an alternative way of caring for a child if the child cannot be placed in foster care or placed with a family that could provide for his upbringing or adoption, and if the provision of any appropriate care in the child's country of origin is not possible;

c ) ensure that, in the event of a child being adopted in another country, the same safeguards and standards apply as apply to domestic adoptions;

d ) take all necessary measures to ensure that, in the event of an adoption in another country, the placement of a child does not result in undue financial gain for those involved;

e ) contribute, where necessary, to the achievement of the objectives of this article by concluding bilateral and multilateral arrangements or agreements and endeavor on this basis to ensure that the placement of the child in another country is carried out by the competent authorities or authorities.

Article 22

1. States Parties shall take the necessary measures to ensure that a child who seeks or is considered a refugee in accordance with applicable international or domestic law and procedures, whether or not accompanied by his or her parents or any by another person, adequate protection and humanitarian assistance in the exercise of the applicable rights set forth in this Convention and other international human rights or humanitarian instruments to which these States are parties.

2. To this end, States Parties shall provide, as they deem necessary, assistance to any efforts of the United Nations and other competent intergovernmental organizations or non-governmental organizations cooperating with the United Nations to protect and assist such a child. and tracing the parents or other family members of any refugee child in order to obtain the information necessary to reunite him with his family. Where parents or other family members cannot be found, that child shall be accorded the same protection as any other child permanently or temporarily deprived of his or her family environment for any reason, as provided for in this Convention.

Article 23

1. States Parties recognize that a mentally or physically handicapped child should lead a full and dignified life in conditions which ensure his dignity, promote his self-confidence and facilitate his active participation in society.

2. States Parties recognize the right of the handicapped child to special care and encourage and ensure that, subject to the availability of resources, to an eligible child and those responsible for its care, assistance requested and appropriate to the condition of the child and the situation of his parents or other persons providing care for the child.

3. In recognition of the special needs of a handicapped child, assistance under paragraph 2 of this article shall be provided free of charge, to the extent possible, taking into account the financial resources of the parents or other caregivers of the child, and is intended to ensure that the handicapped child has effective access to health care services. education, vocational training, medical care, rehabilitation of health, preparation for work and access to recreational facilities in a manner that results in the fullest possible involvement of the child in social life and the development of his personality, including the cultural and spiritual development of the child.

4. The participating States shall promote, in a spirit of international cooperation, the exchange of relevant information in the field of preventive health care and the medical, psychological and functional treatment of handicapped children, including dissemination of information on methods of rehabilitation, general education and vocational training, as well as access to this information, in order to to enable participating States to improve their capabilities and knowledge and to expand their experience in this area. In this regard, special attention should be paid to the needs of developing countries.

Article 24

1. States Parties recognize the right of the child to the enjoyment of the most advanced health care services and facilities for the treatment of illness and the restoration of health. States Parties shall endeavor to ensure that no child is deprived of his or her right to access such health care services.

2. States Parties shall strive for the full realization of this right and, in particular, take the necessary measures to:

a ) reduce infant and child mortality rates;

b ) to ensure the provision of necessary medical care and health care for all children, with priority given to the development of primary health care;

c ) combating disease and malnutrition, including in primary health care, through, inter alia, the use of readily available technology and the provision of adequately nutritious food and clean drinking water, taking into account the danger and risk of environmental pollution;

d ) providing mothers with adequate prenatal and postnatal health services;

e ) ensure that all sectors of society, in particular parents and children, are aware of the health and nutrition of children, the benefits of breastfeeding, hygiene, sanitation of the child's environment and accident prevention, as well as their access to education and their support in the use of such knowledge;

f ) development of educational work and services in the field of preventive health care and family planning.

3. States Parties shall take all effective and necessary measures to abolish traditional practices that adversely affect the health of children.

4. The States Parties undertake to encourage and develop international co-operation with a view to achieving progressively the full realization of the right recognized in this article. In this regard, special attention should be paid to the needs of developing countries.

Article 25

States Parties recognize the right of a child placed in the care of the competent authorities for the purpose of care, protection or physical or mental treatment, to a periodic assessment of the treatment provided to the child and all other conditions associated with such care child.

Article 26

1. States Parties shall recognize the right of every child to enjoy the benefits of social security, including social insurance, and shall take the necessary measures to achieve the full realization of this right in accordance with their national law.

2. These benefits are provided on an as-needed basis, taking into account the resources and capabilities of the child and those responsible for the child's maintenance, and any considerations relating to the receipt of benefits by or on behalf of the child.

Article 27

1. States Parties recognize the right of every child to a standard of living adequate for the physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development of the child.

2. The parent(s) or others responsible for the child have the primary responsibility to ensure, within their abilities and financial means, the living conditions necessary for the development of the child.

3. States Parties shall, in accordance with national circumstances and within their means, take the necessary measures to assist parents and other persons raising children in the exercise of this right and, where necessary, provide material assistance and support programmes, especially in regarding the provision of food, clothing and housing.

4. States Parties shall take all necessary measures to ensure the restoration of maintenance of the child by the parents or other persons financially responsible for the child, both within the State Party and from abroad. In particular, if the person financially responsible for the child and the child reside in different States, the participating States shall facilitate accession to or conclusion of international agreements, as well as the achievement of other relevant arrangements.

Article 28

1. States Parties recognize the right of the child to education and, with a view to progressively achieving the realization of this right on the basis of equal opportunity, they, in particular:

a ) introduce free and compulsory primary education;

b ) encourage the development of various forms of secondary education, both general and vocational, ensure its accessibility to all children and take such necessary measures as the introduction of free education and the provision of financial assistance in case of need;

c ) ensure that higher education is accessible to all on the basis of individual ability through all necessary means;

d ) ensure that education and training information and materials are accessible to all children;

e ) take measures to promote regular school attendance and reduce the number of students dropping out of school.

2. States Parties shall take all necessary measures to ensure that school discipline is administered in a manner consistent with the child's human dignity and in accordance with this Convention.

3. The participating States shall encourage and develop international co-operation in matters relating to education, in particular with a view to contributing to the eradication of ignorance and illiteracy throughout the world and facilitating access to scientific and technological knowledge and modern teaching methods. In this regard, special attention should be paid to the needs of developing countries.

Article 29

1. The States Parties agree that the education of the child shall be directed to:

a ) development of the personality, talents and mental and physical abilities of the child to their fullest extent;

b ) to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and for the principles proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations;

c ) fostering respect for the child's parents, his cultural identity, language and values, for the national values ​​of the country in which the child lives, his country of origin and for civilizations other than his own;

d ) preparing the child for a conscious life in a free society in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, equality of men and women and friendship between all peoples, ethnic, national and religious groups, as well as persons from among the indigenous population;

e ) fostering respect for the natural environment.

2. Nothing in this article or article 28 shall be construed as restricting the freedom of individuals and bodies to establish and administer educational institutions, provided that the principles set forth in paragraph 1 of this article are observed at all times and that the education provided in such educational institutions, complied with the minimum standards that can be established by the state.

Article 30

In those States where ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities or persons of indigenous origin exist, a child belonging to such minority or indigenous population shall not be denied the right, in community with other members of his group, to enjoy his own culture , profess their religion and perform its rites, as well as use their native language.

Article 31

1. States Parties recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, the right to participate in games and recreational activities appropriate to his age, and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.

2. States Parties shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall promote appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural and artistic activities, leisure and recreation.

Article 32

1. States Parties recognize the right of the child to be protected from economic exploitation and from any work that may endanger his health or interfere with his education or be harmful to his health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development.

2. States Parties shall take legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to ensure the implementation of this Article. To this end, guided by the relevant provisions of other international instruments, the participating States, in particular:

a ) establish a minimum age or minimum ages for employment;

b ) determine the necessary requirements for working hours and working conditions;

c ) provide for appropriate penalties or other sanctions to ensure the effective implementation of this article.

Article 33

States Parties shall take all necessary measures, including legislative, administrative, social and educational measures, to protect children from the illicit use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, as defined in the relevant international instruments and prevent the use of children in the illicit manufacture and trade of such substances.

Article 34

States Parties undertake to protect the child from all forms of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. To this end, the participating States shall, in particular, take at the national, bilateral and multilateral levels all necessary measures to prevent:

a ) soliciting or coercing a child into any illegal sexual activity;

b ) use for the purpose of exploiting children in prostitution or other illegal sexual practices;

c ) use for the purpose of exploiting children in pornography and pornographic materials.

Article 35

States Parties shall take all necessary measures at the national, bilateral and multilateral levels to prevent the abduction, sale or trafficking of children for any purpose and in any form.

Article 36

States Parties shall protect the child from all other forms of exploitation that are detrimental to any aspect of the child's well-being.

Article 37

States Parties shall ensure that:

a ) no child has been subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Neither the death penalty nor life imprisonment with no possibility of release is imposed for crimes committed by persons under 18 years of age;

b ) no child has been deprived of liberty unlawfully or arbitrarily. The arrest, detention or imprisonment of a child shall be in accordance with the law and used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time;

c ) every child deprived of liberty shall be treated with humanity and respect for the inherent dignity of his person, taking into account the needs of persons of his age. In particular, every child deprived of liberty must be separated from adults, unless it is considered in the child's best interests not to do so, and have the right to maintain contact with his family by correspondence and visits, except in special circumstances;

d ) every child deprived of liberty shall have the right to prompt access to legal and other appropriate assistance, as well as the right to challenge the lawfulness of his or her deprivation of liberty before a court or other competent, independent and impartial body, and the right to decide without delay on any such procedural action.

Article 38

1. States Parties undertake to respect and ensure compliance with the rules of international humanitarian law applicable to them in the event of armed conflict and relevant to children.

2. Participating States shall take all feasible measures to ensure that persons under 15 years of age do not take a direct part in hostilities.

3. The participating States shall refrain from conscripting any person under 15 years of age into their armed forces. When recruiting from among persons who have attained the age of 15 but who have not yet attained the age of 18, States Parties shall endeavor to give preference to persons of an older age.

4. In accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law relating to the protection of civilians in times of armed conflict, States Parties undertake to take all feasible measures to ensure the protection and care of children affected by armed conflict.

Article 39

States Parties shall take all necessary measures to facilitate the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of a child who is a victim of: any form of neglect, exploitation or abuse, torture or any other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment , punishment or armed conflict. Such recovery and reintegration must take place in an environment that promotes the health, self-respect and dignity of the child.

Article 40

1. States Parties recognize the right of every child who is considered to have violated the penal law, is accused of or found guilty of violating it, to treatment that promotes the development of the child’s sense of dignity and worth, strengthens in him respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of others, and which takes into account the age of the child and the desirability of facilitating his reintegration and his playing a useful role in society.

2. To this end, and taking into account the relevant provisions of international instruments, the participating States shall, in particular, ensure that:

a ) no child has been considered, accused or found guilty of a criminal law violation by reason of an act or omission that was not prohibited by national or international law at the time it was committed;

b) every child who is considered to have violated the criminal law or is accused of having violated it, had at least the following guarantees:

i) the presumption of innocence until proven guilty according to law;

ii) informing him immediately and directly of the charges against him and, if necessary, through his parents or legal guardians, and obtaining legal and other necessary assistance in preparing and exercising his defence;

(iii) A competent, independent and impartial body or tribunal shall decide on the matter at hand without delay in a fair hearing in accordance with the law in the presence of a lawyer or other appropriate person, and, unless it is considered to be contrary to the best interests of the child, in particular taking into account his age or the position of his parents or legal guardians;

iv) freedom from compulsion to testify or confess guilt; examining the testimony of witnesses for the prosecution, either alone or with the assistance of others, and ensuring equal participation of witnesses for the defense and the examination of their testimony;

v) if the child is considered to have violated criminal law, a re-examination by a higher competent, independent and impartial authority or judicial authority in accordance with the law of the relevant decision and any measures taken in this regard;

vi) free assistance of an interpreter if the child does not understand or speak the language used;

vii) full respect for his private life at all stages of the proceedings.

3. Participating States shall endeavor to promote the establishment of laws, procedures, bodies and institutions of direct relevance to children who are considered to have violated the criminal law, are accused of or found guilty of violating it, and in particular:

a ) establishing a minimum age below which children are considered incapable of breaking criminal laws;

b ) where necessary and desirable, to take steps to treat such children without recourse to legal proceedings, subject to full respect for human rights and legal safeguards.

4. A variety of arrangements such as care, custody and supervision provisions, counseling services, probation, education, education and training programs and other forms of care in place of institutional care are required to ensure that the child is treated in this way. , which would correspond to his well-being, as well as his position and the nature of the crime.

Article 41

Nothing in this Convention shall affect any provision which is more conducive to the realization of the rights of the child and may be contained:

a ) in the law of the Member State; or

b ) in the norms of international law in force in relation to this state.

Part II

Article 42

States Parties undertake, by appropriate and effective means, to make the principles and provisions of the Convention widely known to both adults and children.

Article 43

1. For the purpose of reviewing the progress made by States Parties in fulfilling the obligations assumed under this Convention, a Committee on the Rights of the Child shall be established to carry out the functions set out below.

2. The Committee shall be composed of ten experts of high moral character and recognized competence in the field covered by this Convention. The members of the Committee are elected by the States Parties from among their own nationals and serve in their personal capacity, with attention being paid to equitable geographical distribution as well as to the principal legal systems.

3. The members of the Committee shall be elected by secret ballot from among listed persons nominated by States Parties. Each State Party may nominate one person from among its nationals.

4. Initial elections for the Committee shall be held not later than six months after the date on which this Convention enters into force, and thereafter every two years. At least four months before the day of each election, the Secretary-General of the United Nations shall write to participating States inviting them to submit their candidacies within two months. The Secretary-General shall then draw up, in alphabetical order, a list of all persons so nominated, indicating the States Parties which have nominated them, and shall submit this list to the States Parties to this Convention.

5. Elections shall be held at meetings of States Parties convened by the Secretary-General at United Nations Headquarters. At these meetings, at which two-thirds of the States Parties constitute a quorum, those candidates who obtain the largest number of votes and an absolute majority of the votes of the representatives of the States Parties present and voting shall be elected to the Committee.

6. Members of the Committee are elected for a four-year term. They have the right to be re-elected if they are re-nominated. The term of five members elected at the first election shall expire at the end of a two-year period; immediately after the first election, the names of these five members are determined by lot by the President of the meeting.

7. In the event of the death or retirement of a member of the Committee, or if he or she is, for any other reason, no longer able to serve as a member of the Committee, the State Party that nominated that member of the Committee shall designate another expert from among its citizens for the remainder of the term, subject to approval by the Committee.

8. The Committee shall establish its own rules of procedure.

9. The Committee elects its officers for a two-year term.

10. The sessions of the Committee shall normally be held at United Nations Headquarters or at any other suitable location determined by the Committee. The Committee, as a rule, meets annually. The duration of the session of the Committee shall be determined and, if necessary, revised by the meeting of the States Parties to this Convention, subject to the approval of the General Assembly.

11. The Secretary-General of the United Nations shall provide staff and facilities for the effective exercise by the Committee of its functions under this Convention.

12. Members of the Committee established under this Convention shall receive remuneration approved by the General Assembly from the funds of the United Nations in such manner and under such conditions as the General Assembly may determine.

Article 44

1. States Parties undertake to submit to the Committee, through the Secretary-General of the United Nations, reports on the measures they have taken to secure the rights recognized in the Convention and on the progress made in the realization of these rights:

a ) within two years of the entry into force of the Convention for the State Party concerned;

b ) thereafter every five years.

2. Reports submitted under this article shall indicate the factors and difficulties, if any, affecting the degree to which obligations under this Convention are fulfilled. The reports also contain sufficient information to enable the Committee to fully understand the operation of the Convention in a given country.

3. A State Party that has submitted a comprehensive initial report to the Committee need not repeat, in subsequent reports submitted in accordance with paragraph 1 to of this article, the basic information previously provided.

4. The Committee may request further information from States Parties concerning the implementation of this Convention.

5. Reports on the activities of the Committee are submitted once every two years to the General Assembly through the Economic and Social Council.

6. Participating States shall ensure that their reports are widely publicized in their own countries.

Article 45

For the purpose of promoting the effective implementation of the Convention and encouraging international cooperation in the field covered by this Convention:

a ) the specialized agencies, the United Nations Children's Fund and other organs of the United Nations may be represented in matters relating to the implementation of such provisions of this Convention as fall within the scope of their powers. The Committee may invite the specialized agencies, the United Nations Children's Fund and other competent bodies, as it deems appropriate, to submit expert opinion on the implementation of the Convention in areas falling within their respective mandates. The Committee may invite the specialized agencies, the United Nations Children's Fund and other United Nations bodies to submit reports on the implementation of the Convention in areas falling within the scope of their activities;

b ) The Committee shall transmit, as it deems appropriate, to the specialized agencies, the United Nations Children's Fund and other competent bodies, any reports from States parties that request or indicate a need for technical advice or assistance, and also the Committee's comments and suggestions, if any, on such requests or instructions;

c ) The Committee may recommend to the General Assembly that it invite the Secretary-General to undertake studies on its behalf on selected issues relating to the rights of the child;

d ) The Committee may make suggestions and general recommendations based on information received under Articles 44 and 45 of this Convention. Such proposals and recommendations of a general nature shall be transmitted to any State Party concerned and communicated to the General Assembly, together with the comments of the States Parties, if any.

Part III

Article 46

This Convention is open for signature by all States.

Article 47

This Convention is subject to ratification. Instruments of ratification shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Article 48

This Convention is open for accession by any State. Instruments of accession shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Article 49

1. This Convention shall enter into force on the thirtieth day following the date of deposit with the Secretary-General of the United Nations of the twentieth instrument of ratification or accession.

2. For each State which ratifies or accedes to this Convention after the twentieth instrument of ratification or accession has been deposited, this Convention shall enter into force on the thirtieth day after such State deposits its instrument of ratification or accession.

Article 50

1. Any State Party may propose an amendment and submit it to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The Secretary-General shall then communicate the proposed amendment to the States Parties with a request that they indicate whether they favor a conference of States Parties for the purpose of considering and voting on the proposals. If, within four months from the date of such communication, at least one third of the States Parties favor such a conference, the Secretary-General shall convene the conference under the auspices of the United Nations. Any amendment adopted by a majority of the States Parties present and voting at this conference shall be submitted to the General Assembly of the United Nations for approval.

2. An amendment adopted in accordance with paragraph 1 of this article shall enter into force upon its approval by the General Assembly of the United Nations and acceptance by a two-thirds majority of the States Parties.

3. When an amendment enters into force, it shall be binding on those States Parties which have accepted it, while the other States Parties shall remain bound by the provisions of this Convention and any earlier amendments which they have accepted.

Article 51

1. The Secretary-General of the United Nations shall receive and circulate to all States the text of reservations made by States at the time of ratification or accession.

2. A reservation inconsistent with the object and purpose of this Convention is not permitted.

3. Reservations may be withdrawn at any time by notification to the effect addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who shall then inform all States accordingly. Such notification shall take effect from the date of its receipt by the Secretary General.

Article 52

Any State Party may denounce this Convention by written notification to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The denunciation shall take effect one year after the receipt of the notification by the Secretary General.

Article 53

The Secretary-General of the United Nations is designated as the depositary of this Convention.

Article 54

The original of this Convention, of which the Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish texts are equally authentic, shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. In witness whereof the undersigned plenipotentiaries, being duly authorized thereto by their respective governments, have signed this Convention.

1 Resolution 1386 (XIV).

2 Resolution 217 A (III).

3 See resolution 2200 A (XXI), annex.

4 See League of Nations Official Journal, Special Supplement No. 21 , October 1924, p. 43.

5 Resolution 1386 (XIV), third preambular paragraph.

6 Resolution 41/85 annex

7 Resolution 40/33 annex.

8 Resolution 3318 (XXIX).

Source: Official Records of the General Assembly, Forty-fourth Session, Supplement No. 49 (A/44/49), pp. 230-239.

Social services in everyday life

Last update: 7 10 2021