The Office of the Children's Commissioner advocates for the best
interests of all children and young people in New Zealand. The Office
of the Children's Commissioner looks to ensure all of their rights are
respected and upheld.

The Office of the Children's Commissioner was first established under the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1989. Since 2003, the Commissioner has been acting under a specific piece of legislation – the Children's Commissioner Act 2003.
This Act enables the Children's Commissioner and his staff to promote
the rights, health, welfare, and well-being of children and young
people between the ages of 0 and 18 years. The Children's Commissioner
Act also directs the Commissioner to promote the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC).

From its Wellington and Auckland offices, the Office of the
Children's Commissioner works with other agencies from inside and
outside of Government. The Children's Commissioner's work plan includes
ongoing monitoring of the activities of New Zealand's statutory care
and protection agency for children (Child, Youth and Family).
The Commissioner also undertakes systemic advocacy functions and
investigates particular issues compromising the health, safety, or
wellbeing of children and young people. The Office of the Children's
Commissioner cannot comment on any matter that is before any New
Zealand court, including the Family Court.

The Children's Commissioner has the statutory responsibility to
promote the practice of good participation mechanisms that allow
children and young people to have input into issues that affect them.
The Children's Commissioner Act 2003 requires the Children's
Commissioner to practice these mechanisms within the the work of the
Office of the Children's Commissioner. The Children's Commissioner has
a Young People's Reference Group
through which to regularly hear the voices of children and young people
in the community. Additionally, the Office of the Children's
Commissioner regularly meets other groups of children and young people,
and operates a Child Right's Line so the public can contact the Office.

The Office of the Children's Commissioner is an independent Crown
entity. This means the Commissioner is independent of Government. The
Children's Commissioner is appointed by the Governor-General on the
advice of the government of the day. The current Children's
Commissioner is John Angus.

The Commission is a group of twenty-five members, including two youth, appointed by the Snohomish County Council to serve as advisors on issues of health, safety and welfare of children. We are mandated by County Code to act in an advocacy role on behalf of children of Snohomish County. Research and development work are conducted through forums, public hearings and a strong committee structure. Advocacy work is accomplished through publications, legislative efforts, active involvement in resolving local issues and monthly meetings held in public session. Members are appointed to a four-year term and
represent a diversity of backgrounds, including: health and human services, law and justice, education, business and labor, children and youth, parents, minorities and concerned citizens.

Commissioners envision a society in which:

• All children have access to adequate health care and opportunities to reach their
..optimal health

• All children have opportunities to contribute meaningfully to their community

• All children receive a quality education tailored to their individual needs and learning
..styles

• All children live in a permanent home where they experience safety and stability and
..where they are loved unconditionally

• All children are safe from abuse, bullying and the harmful effects of alcohol and other
drugs

• All children have access to adequate nutrition and exercise for a healthy mind and body

• All children experience positive bonding with a parental figure and have exposure to
..appropriate adult role models

• Decision makers routinely make abundant resources available for the needs of children
..and families and consider the best interests of children and families in all decisions

Additionally, each Commissioner appointed by the County Council has agreed to enhance children's lives by attending the regularly scheduled Children's Commission meetings; representing the Commission in the community; actively participating in children's legislation and participating in forums, events, trainings and/or projects sponsored by the Commission.

Finally, Commissioners have pledged to respect and support the children and families in Snohomish County by taking action to:

• Enrich their relationships with children

• Be a positive role model for youth

• Make themselves available to youth

• Donate time or money to community organizations that enhance children's lives

• Be an active partner with organizations that support children and families

• Keep Snohomish County a safe, caring and exciting place for children and families