In Defense of Children: Understanding the Rights, Needs, and Interests of the Child. - book reviews

Children Today, Jan-Feb, 1990 by Robert R. Friedmann

In Defense of Children: Understanding the Rights, Needs, and Interests of the Child

Thomas A. Nazario, a lawyer, and his associates--a social worker, a pediatrician and a teacher--collaborated on this "practical and authoritative guide for parents and professionals on what to do when considering the child's best interest." The book definitely stands up to its commitment to deal with the rights, problems and needs of children, and it is written to complement--not to replace--professional guidance. It employs very understandable English, avoiding legalese as much as possible (or explaining it when inevitable), which is an important asset for a book that mainly takes a legal perspective.

With the best interest of the child in mind, the book attempts to incorporate the latest knowledge pertinent to laws and legal rights affecting children and families (although without supplying references) to provide readers with issues and answers while avoiding a preaching or paternalistic attitude. In Defense of Children is intended for use by professionals who need to view child-related issues from a wider angle and for those interested in understanding and learning about law and intervention in disciplines other than their own. It also serves as a general resource for concerned parents who struggle with the dilemma of childrearing and dealing with the law.

The book is structured to cover a child's lifespan from the prenatal period to young adulthood. The legal viewpoint is highlighted by medical, educational and social service-related information where appropriate. Each chapter includes a brief introduction of the topic, a discussion of the relevant legal issues, addresses and phone numbers of agencies and organizations that can provide help for specific problems discussed, a chapter review, and a recommended checklist for parents.

For example, a chapter that deals with the rights of children at birth informs readers of the reasons for infant death, provides information on potential birthplaces (home, hospital, birth centers) and required routine medical procedures (such as circumcision), and discusses such legal issues as the choosing of a legal name, the rights of children with handicaps, and the legal implications of having an illegitimate child.

Other topics and some of the related issues and questions addressed include:

* The unborn: legal rights and responsibilities of an expectant mother; parental leave laws.

* Early childhood education: a child's right to quality child care.

* Schools: discrimination against a child in the school system; a child's right to "special" education.

* Injury or hospitalization of children: suing a doctor who has injured a child; rights of children who are terminally ill.

* Families: a parent's right to discipline a child; rights of children whose parents are divorcing; legal procedures related to adoption and to suspected child abuse.

* The teen years: the criminal justice system; enlisting in the military; preparing for employment; methods for helping youths who are addicted to drugs or alcohol or who attempt suicide.

The last chapter provides an overview of public assistance programs that benefit families.

The work presented here is comprehensive, useful and, at times, enlightening. Even the well-rounded professional may find some points highlighted or clarified. Parents can rely on the book to expand on what they already know, or to learn answers to questions that come up in daily life. However, in addition to being a resource book for parents and professionals, it should, perhaps, be most useful to children. After all, it is for them that it was written.

Robert R. Friedmann, Ph.D., is Associate Professor and Chairman, Department of Criminal Justice, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.