Another call to Vote Yes
This is another call to Vote Yes and provide children with the voice and protection that they should be entitled to. Please see a similar call from Aileen Lee on behalf of the Campaign for Children.
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Hi everyone,
There has been a deliberate attempt to confuse voters in the hope that in tomorrow’s referendum they will vote ‘no’ out of fear. Yes for Children, of which Campaign for Children is a part, want to set the record straight.
What this amendment IS ACTUALLY about:
- It’s about child protection:
1,500 confirmed cases of child abuse in 2011
For the first time, the Constitution will take a child-centred approach to child protection. It will put an onus on the State to better support families.
- It’s about adoption and giving children a second chance of a loving family:
Up to 2,000 children living in long-term State care would finally be eligible for adoption
This is in cases where the child cannot successfully return to their birth family.
- It’s about listening to children and better addressing their needs in court decisions:
65% of children are not asked their opinion in court decisions affecting them
For the first time, judges will be mandated to listen to the views of children when making their decision in court cases relating to adoption, access, custody, guardianship or child protection.
What this amendment is NOT about:
It is not about forced adoption; it is not about forced vaccinations; it is not a State-versus-family debate; and it is certainly not about the State snatching children from their loving homes.
In Ireland, over one million people are under the age of 18 years. We need to be their voice tomorrow and allow them to have a voice in our Constitution.
Vote YES tomorrow, it will make a difference.
Thanks for reading,
Aileen Lee
on behalf of Campaign for Children
P.S. Polling stations will be open from 9am – 10pm. You will need to bring photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s licence, and your polling card. If you have not received your polling card, or have mislaid it, you can go to your local polling station with your photo ID. Other forms of acceptable ID include student cards and employee cards with photograph. If you don’t have photo ID, you can use birth certificate, cheque card or credit card along with another document to confirm your address.
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Thanks for reading,
Peter