The Ecological Perspective on the Human Rights of Children

All children need to grow up in a family environment where they are supported, loved and nurtured. Yet, poverty and its socially toxic correlates continue to influence the developmental outcomes of children living in the United States. But the effects of poverty and its correlates do not provide the complete picture. Research identifying 40 Developmental Assets and their relationship to child well-being is strongly suggesting a large percentage of kids from more affluent families, as well as kids living in poverty, are at-risk or vulnerable to the negative influence of surrounding environments. This chapter addresses the social environment influencing children and families and its influence on child well-being. Using an ecological perspective—which addresses the influence of risk and opportunity to child well-being—we analyze how ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child would improve the lives of millions of children and families struggling for survival in the United States.