I met with the Children's Commissioner, Keith Towler today at his office in Swansea. I expected it to be a brisk meeting introducing himself and his priorities, but he devoted over an hour with me to discuss various issues regarding young people- from criminal justice to child poverty to child mental health services, to the general need for people to understand and to accept that yes, young people have rights!
He was very open about his work, and even though he has only been in post for seven weeks, he seems to have a clear idea about what the Children's Commissioner's office should be doing for the children and young people of Wales. It was encouraging to learn that he is more than ready to voice his opinions to those who are decision makers both in Wales and in England. When we discussed the criminal justice system it was a matter of when, and not if the criminal justice system is devolved. Considering how unfair young people within the criminal justice system are treated, it is obviously of great importance that Keith Towler intends to set out the agenda as to why Wales must have powers in this area.
With regards to child poverty, I believe that the Children's Commissioner is hoping to meet with the expert group that has been established, and the WAG on a regular basis to understand how his office can fit in, and where they can be most effective in delivering for young people.
Its vitally important that children and young people across Wales are fully aware of who the Children's Commissioner is, and how it can help shape their lives.
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