5. The Right to Justice, Protection and Treatment "Every child has the right to have a safe place to live. They need to be able to live without fear."

Elizabeth’s Story

It was a regular day for grade six student, Elizabeth McCarthy. After returning from school, she retreated to her room to do some homework. Until she heard her grandmother's franctic calls for help. She rushed downstairs to find her young cousin unconscious on the floor. Elizabeth immediately dialed 911. Speaking calmly to the operator, she relayed important information from her grandmother, who did not speak English. Having been assured by the operator that an ambulance was on the way, she continued to give the operator more details about her cousin’s condition, which appeared to be a seizure. Today Elizabeth’s little cousin is a thriving two-year-old thanks to her quick thinking and self-confidence. Elizabeth was awarded a Peel Children's Safety Village 2008 Elmer Award for taking action that ultimately saved her little two-year-old cousin’s life.

Elizabeth's story was shared by Constable Nulle with Peel Councillors in a presentation about the Right to Justice, Protection and Treatment. This right underscores that right to justice when harm is done; protection by adults from harm; and to be empowered to protect and keep themselves safe. Con. Nulle talked about the issues that negatively affect and endanger children, such as family disputes, child abuse and bullying.

She stressed the importance of partnerships and collaboration within the community to uphold the child’s “Right to Justice, Protection and Treatment”. The Peel Youth Violence Prevention Network andPeel Regional Police specialty bureausare examples of how this is taking place.

“The Youth Education Bureau, Neighbourhood Policing Unit and the Peel Children’s Safety Village are about knowledge, education and empowerment.” she said, “Teaching kids how to keep themselves safe, creates heroes like Elizabeth. These young heroes serve as an example to all kids; to exercise their right to justice, protection and treatment.”

This is the fifth of 12 monthly delegations at Peel Regional Council on the Peel Children Children’s Charter of Rights.

	Cst. Samantha Nulle and Elizabeth McCarthy explained the importance of educating and empowering children to take action to keep themselves safe and help others.