Our History

Our History

Since 1992 Children in Wales has been the national umbrella organisation for voluntary, statutory and professional organisations and individuals who work with children, young people and families in Wales.

During this time, Children in Wales has been instrumental in the successful lobbying for a Children’s Commissioner for Wales (Wales was the first nation in the UK to appoint a Commissioner), a Children’s Minister (the first Minister was appointed in 1997) and campaigned to ensure the involvement of children and young people in Senedd Cymru-Welsh Parliament.

More recently, the organisation has expanded to include the participation initiative Young Wales-Cymru Ifanc that brings together youth forums from across the country. Through them, Children in Wales will continue to provide a direct platform for the voice of children and young people to be heard and acted upon not only in Wales, but across the UK, Europe and in the United Nations itself. 

In 2020, another important milestone was reached at the successful conclusion of a long campaign when the Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill was passed.

The organisation has played a fundamental role in supporting and improving the lives of all our children, young people and their families since its foundation three decades ago. In collaboration with our members and partners, we have influenced and guided the Government in Wales on key issues such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Children in Wales, but the need to ensure the rights of children and to identify and offer solutions to their needs, has never been so great.