Children Around the World Game-Storyboard

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(text-style:"bold")[Your Mission] Travel to see dilemmas children face around the world. The United Nations created a treaty which lists the basic human rights all children should be afforded. It’s called the Convention on the Rights of the Child treaty. We call it CRC for short! It will be YOUR job to help identify the right listed by the CRC to support equality for children worldwide. Not all countries have ratified it yet, though. What rights will those children have? As you progress you will see your XP (experience points) increase or decrease! Of course, if it gets too hard to witness (life is tough for some kids) or if you get lost, you may always use the GPS or back arrow to take a different route. See the CRC Articles anytime you see the scroll image. [[Now, take off for Germany, the first stop on your journey!|Germany]] Remember, this map is here for you anytime you wish to change course: [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

(text-style:"bold")[Meet Katrina in Germany.] You've landed in Germany! From the eyes of Katrina, you're sitting in a small kitchen looking at a platter of meat and cheese. Katrina: I am so sick of cheese and meat for breakfast. I want pancakes like my cousins in the States eat. <image src=http://irscaevr.weebly.com/uploads/4/2/3/7/4237770/402424535565620044_orig.jpg> See what the CRC says by selecting the scroll. PICTURE OF SCROLL TO BE ADDED AS ICON FOR CRC THROUGHOUT SCENES (link: "CRC")[(open-url: "https://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf")] IMAGERY ENVISIONED TO BE FANCIFUL LIKE THIS OR ABOVE (link: "SAMPLE")[(open-url: "http://www.pence.site/")] BLACK BACKGROUND ONLY FOR RUNNING SCENES, HOWEVER. IMAGERY ENVISIONED TO LOOK LIKE THIS FOR THIS CHARACTER ABOVE. TO BE EMBEDDED BEHIND AN ICON SYMBOLIZING "DILEMMA FACED" THROUGHOUT SCENES: Do I have a right to demand something other than cheese and meat every day? [[Katrina Opens Door|Does Katrina have a right in Germany?]] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

(text-style:"bold")[GPS: Navigate the Way!] ________________________________________________________________________________________ [[Children Around the World Home Page: Introduction|1.Home - Start - Introduction]] [[For the Teacher|1.1 For the Teacher]] [[About this Game]] ________________________________________________________________________________________ Choose your adventure navigating through the following scenes to listen to the children: [[Now, take off for Germany, the first stop on your journey!|Germany]] ________________________________________________________________________________________ Cross through the portal to: [[Visit the baby and three-year-old in Palm Beach, Florida, USA|Visit the three and four year olds in Palm Beach, Fl. USA]] [[See what it would be like if you lived in Australia]] ________________________________________________________________________________________ [[Take action!|Educate about the CRC treaty]] ________________________________________________________________________________________ [[Alex is almost 18 months old now and can speak|Now he's dropping Alex and Jim off at the police station but won't let them go. Alex escapes, but he drags the baby around by his arm. Ranting.]] [[If you lived in Germany]] ________________________________________________________________________________________ [[Visit the mom in Minnesota, USA]] ________________________________________________________________________________________ [[Visit Jeff in New York|Visit Jeff in New York. He has a restraining order he hides in his sock.]] [[See how it is handled in some counties in California, USA]] [[Take me away to Costa Rica!]] ________________________________________________________________________________________ [[Visit Jenny in Massachusetts|Visit Jenny in Massachusettes.]] [[Fly to the United Kingdom!|Fly to the United Kingdom where courts agreed to listen to children like me!]] ________________________________________________________________________________________ [[Alex and Jim are 5 & 6 now|Visit Alex and Jim. They are 5 & 6 now]] [[See if you have a right now. You have an attorney!|See if they have a right now that they have an attorney!]] [[Bangladesh|Portal to Bangladesh]] ________________________________________________________________________________________ [[Back in Palm Beach. Deplorable living conditions. Send police!|Back in Palm Beach. Disgusting living conditions. Please send the police. Please help.]] [[United Kingdom]] ________________________________________________________________________________________ [[Jenny meets with her dad in St. Lucie County, Florida now|Jenny meets with her dad in St. Lucie County, Florida now.]] [[Visit Nepal]] ________________________________________________________________________________________ [[Alex and Jim are 7 & 8 now and don't know what state they're in|Fly to Alex and Jim. They're 7 & 8 now and don't know what state they're in, but think they're still in the States.]] [[Take me to a land of hope!]] ________________________________________________________________________________________ [[Jim and Alex are hiding from the police now. Come quick!]] [[Take me to Romania]] ________________________________________________________________________________________ [[Sleeping in car at rest-stop]] [[Canada]] ________________________________________________________________________________________ [[At the cult in Alabama]] [[Austria]] ________________________________________________________________________________________ [[We are playing Russian roulette automobile style in Pennsylvania|They're playing russian roeullet automobile style in Pennsylvania now]] [[Armenia|Armania]] ________________________________________________________________________________________ [[On the train tracks]] [[Jim's 13 now. Ran away, now in a courtroom, Palm Beach, Florida]] ________________________________________________________________________________________

Think. Think. I'm a German. [[March into my parents' bedroom to demand pancakes.|Wrong Answer]] [[I'm not an adult. Forget it. I'll suck it up and eat more meat and cheese.|Wrong Answer]] [[Hmm. I think I have some rights. I am going to talk to my mother and father about my wishes.|Right Answer]] See what the CRC says: PICTURE OF SCROLL TO BE ADDED FOR THIS (link: "CRC")[(open-url: "https://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf")] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

Burying my desires or aggressively demanding them will get me the same result: Absolutely nothing or worse than where I started. LOCATED UNDER A STANDARDIZED ICON: CRC Article #12 states: "Children have the right to give their opinion, and for adults to listen and take it seriously." So, you are supported in respectfully voicing your desires and needs. The CRC Article #27 also states: “Children have a right to a standard of living that is good enough to meet their physical and mental needs,” too. So, although you have the right to voice your opinion, cheese and meat certainly should meet your physical needs so if your expressed desires are not agreed to, you can be thankful for the nutritious food you do receive. [[What more can you do?| Explore]] [[Try Again|Does Katrina have a right in Germany?]]

XP Score! Germany has adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child Treaty. Article 27 provides that “Children have a right to a standard of living that is good enough to meet their physical and mental needs.” Although you might not like cheese and meat, your parents are still providing you with nutritious food. Some families can't even afford to give their children food like that. By respectfully expressing yourself, you also support your mental growth. Katrina: "Momma, thank you for breakfast each day. I like the pancakes my cousins in the States eat also. Could we have them sometime?" Select an XP asset to add to your character: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] Let's see what the rules are in other countries... Cross through the portal to: [[Visit the toddler and three-year-old in Palm Beach, Florida, USA|Visit the three and four year olds in Palm Beach, Fl. USA]] [[Visit the mom in Minnesota, USA]] [[Take me away to Costa Rica!]] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

Rephrase words in a respectful yet assertive manner to work out a compromise to satisfy everyone. [[Explore as Katrina to add more items to your menu|Explore with Katrina]] [[Explore as Alex and Jim. You continue to assertively use your words with many adults throughout the years but it doesn't seem to be working. How else can you help yourself?|Explore with Alex and Jim]]

ASSET/POINTS TO BE DEVELOPED; ENVISIONED TO BE WORN AS ADDED TOOLS FOR DEFENSE OR ESCAPE.

MENTAL PHYSICAL SPIRITUAL ASSET/POINTS TO BE DEVELOPED; ENVISIONED TO BE WORN AS ADDED GARMENT PIECES.

ASSET/POINTS TO BE DEVELOPED; ENVISIONED TO BE WORN AS ADDED HEAD PIECES (HATS, ACCESSORIES, HAIR).

(text-style:"bold")[Meet Jim & Alex in Palm Beach, Florida.] PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEE PERSPECTIVE FROM ANY OF THE CHARACTER'S VIEWPOINTS BY SELECTING ON THEM. Narrative: From Alex's viewpoint climbing up the 12' slide step by step, looking down from the top. You hear the wind and the birds chirpping. You go to sit down but lose your balance and fall... Before Alex hits the ground, your perspective changes and you see the scene from your brother's eyes as you watch him fall. You hear him. You react with a gasp and run over to him. You've landed behind the eyes of almost three-year-old, Jim, in Palm Beach, Florida, USA. You saw your baby brother Alex crying and look up at the 12' slide he fell off of. You're standing in the middle of a park. You don't know where your dad is. It's scary being all alone. <image src=http://irscaevr.weebly.com/uploads/4/2/3/7/4237770/screen-shot-2016-11-12-at-10-02-43-pm_orig.png> Dialogue: Jim: My brother fell from the top of that slide. He didn’t wake up for a long time. He gets hurt a lot when we visit our dad but that was the highest fall. FLASHBACK TO FALL OFF PIANO BENCH, STAIRS, BACK TO REPEAT FALL FROM SLIDE... I just want to go home. He's crying. Dad comes over and picks him up. He falls asleep. Dialogue: When Mom comes, Dad hands baby back to her sleeping. When they are away from Dad, Jim tells her his brother fell from the slide. Mom brings the baby to the doctor's afraid he might have a concussion because he never woke up. SCENE LOOKS LIKE ABOVE; PICTURE TO BE USED FOR CARTOON IMAGERY in real game ONLY. See what the CRC says. PICTURE OF SCROLL TO BE ADDED FOR THIS (link: "CRC")[(open-url: "https://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf")] JIM FACES THE DILEMMA. [[Long for mom in the parking lot.|Do Alex and Jim have the right to just go home?]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY PAGE] (align:"==>")[Picture source: ©Ensmann, 2010] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

(text-style: "bold")[Meet Holly in Minnesota, USA.] Now, you've stepped into a mom's world where you are staring at a message written behind the bathroom shower curtain. It slowly comes into focus as you pull back the curtain. It says "Help us" and you know your young son was just in that bathroom. Holly: "So, my children keep telling me they don’t want to go. But, the court says I must send them. I have X-rays of broken bones and notes on napkins begging me to rescue them. Now I just found this behind the shower curtain where we visit in a court ordered supervised location." <img src=http://4237770-205300044956152073.preview.editmysite.com/uploads/4/2/3/7/4237770/screen-shot-2016-11-13-at-9-50-05-pm_orig.png> (link: "Watch Holly's story.")[(open-url: "https://vimeo.com/39063380")] See what the CRC says: PICTURE OF SCROLL TO BE ADDED FOR THIS (link: "CRC")[(open-url: "https://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf")] [[What do I do?]] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

(text-style:"bold")[You're back staring out from behind the eyes of Jim.] I'm scared because my dad has stopped his van now on the train tracks. <img src=http://irscaevr.weebly.com/uploads/4/2/3/7/4237770/published/image-2.png> Dad: "We should die together." Jim: I don't want to die, daddy, but I'm too afraid to say anything; it will make it worse. My brother always says what he's thinking though and I can't keep him quiet. Alex: "I don't want to die." He drives off; but, he does it over and over again. The judge finally appointed someone who is supposed to be our own attorney. I told her we are afraid of him because she is for us. Jim: "We don’t want to go. Please don’t make us." [[Follow the attorney through the door to see what she has to say|See if they have a right now that they have an attorney!]] (align: "==>")[Picture source: CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0). Public Domain Dedication Max Pixel. http://maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com/static/photo/1x/Big-Eyes-Face-Boy-Child-Young-Little-Kid-Sunny-165256.jpg] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

(text-style:"bold")[Alex and Jim are 7 & 8 now. Will anyone listen?] Alex: "We get scared when he doesn't bring us home and we don’t know where we are. He takes us out of the State. We don’t know where we are so we look for signs and walk far to call our mom. We've had to cross some big streets before, but I held my brothers hand. We found a safe stranger with a phone!" We just want to stay home. Please, we're getting older and have been begging everyone for a long time now. [[What choice do we have now?|What choice do they have now?]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

(text-style:"bold")[Jim: "We're 9 & 10 now and he's telling us to "Duck! Stay down!" The police are looking for us, shining their lights in the house now."] We get scared when he makes us hide in the dark when police are shining their lights in the house through the windows looking for us. Please. We want to just go home. Do we have a right, yet??? I'm going to speak up... [[I have a right|You have a right]] Won't speak up... [[No right]] [[Take me to Romania]] See what the CRC says: PICTURE OF SCROLL TO BE ADDED FOR THIS (link: "CRC")[(open-url: "https://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf")] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

(text-style:"bold")[Alex and Jim: "He keeps stopping his car on the train tracks saying that we could all die together and be together forever. We don't want to die, Mom."] [[Call from the hospital.]] Another day passes... [[At the cult in Alabama]] [[Jim's 13 now. Ran away, now in a courtroom, Palm Beach, Florida]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

(text-style:"bold")[Now you've arrived staring out from a one room hospital in Alabama, behind Jim's eyes. Your foot is a mess: swollen & infected. It hurts.] Jim: "My foot is broken foot now and there is puss coming out of it. Someone said it’s infected." [[Get me out of here. I have a right now|You have a right]] [[No right]] See what the CRC says: PICTURE OF SCROLL TO BE ADDED FOR THIS (link: "CRC")[(open-url: "https://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf")] I CAN ELABORATE ON HOW I KNEW IT WAS A CULT FROM WORDS OF CHILDREN AND PEOPLE AROUND CULT (NEIGHBORS, NURSES, ONES WHO HAD ESCAPED, ATTORNEY FOR THEM) [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

(text-style:"bold")[The boys are back in Palm Beach and desperately call their mom.] From Mom's viewpoint, the camera zooms in on opened flip phone… It's a call from boys. Voice of Jim: "Mom, send the police in! Hurry. He's not here. Send them in while he's gone. Hurry before he gets back. We don't want to stay. Hurry. Call the police! There is raw meat on the floor. Mold on ceiling and walls. The window is broken. The racoon came in. We found a bullet in bed! He doesn't live here during the week. There's no food in the refrigerator." Isolated and disgusting living conditions. [SEE VIDEO FROM 3:43 ON FOR IMAGES; DEVELOPERS TO blurr out FACES AND NAMES ON THIS VIDEO OR COME UP WITH CARTOON IMAGERY LIKE BELOW. (link: "Watch it.")[(open-url: "https://youtu.be/rXVtYDyOU_k")] Contact @ ChangeIt4Better for access. They are in Palm Beach, Florida, USA. They send the pictures of what they see from the phone Mom gave them. They hid it from him. Mom stops to think for a minute. [[Call the cops and request a checkup on the kids.]] [[Do nothing. Kids are resilient]] [[Take it to court]] Fly through another portal to a country which adopted the CRC. [[United Kingdom]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

(text-style:"bold")[Jim and Alex: "We're playing Russian roulette automobile style in Pennsylvania now."] We’re scared when he plays the game of turning off his lights and driving through intersections at night. Equal rights matters regardless of race, religion, disability, gender. Should equal rights be equal regardless of age too? Alex and Jim, Jeff, Jenny and their moms think so. Holly and her kids think so. What can we do? Ratifying the CRC to begin acknowledging children are human and deserve the same basic human rights as other citizens of the USA might be a good start. [[Call from the hospital.]] [[Armenia|Armania]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

(text-style:"bold")[We ran away from him! Oh, my Gosh; it was so scary!] ENVISION IMAGERY TO LOOK SOMETHING LIKE SLIGHTLY OLDER VERSION OF ANIMATED OWEN RUNNING IN FEAR THROUGH THE WOODS; (link: "SEE")[(open-url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n7fosK9UyY&feature=youtu.be&t=1m47s)] Jim: I'm 13 years old. Mom, please let us see the judge. Let us tell him!!! ->MOVE TO: Now in a courtroom. FINALLY GOING TO BE HEARD! At the age of 13, Jim will finally get to be listened to by the judge; only he has to testify in front of his father visually demonstrating rage. Now in a courtroom, Palm Beach, Florida. Jim hides in the other room. Scared. But ready to testify in front of his father. Over the last 10 years: lawyers quit, judges recused themselves for fear of retribution from their dad. The brave psychiatrist testifies in front of him now too. Finally! The judge says: "There are life threatening occurrences happening with these boys when they go with their father." The Judge: "Son, you were a credible witness. Children are dying all the time from things we don't know are occurring and you just told us about things that are occuring. I'm only going to make you go with him every other weekend and his friend will be the supervisor. He's your father and he has rights to you.” Grandmother: Gasps realizing he was just given rights to take them speeding, drinking and driving in the truck again! She's thrown out of the courtroom. The judge then tells the boy: "And, if you don't go, I'll put your mom in jail and you in Juvenile Detention." The boy that wanted to be an attorney, scared but brave walking into the courtroom left strong and convicted. "We'll never go back to him, mom." Mom: "You know you may not be able to be an attorney if you don't listen to the judge." "I don't ever want to do what those people in there do, mom." Mom: "The constitution says: "We are the people." If there are people not protected, whose rights are not equal. WE must protect them." _______________ You've completed this round! You've mastered the learning objectives and can now: -Identify specific human rights listed in the CRC treaty. -Articulate Articles 12 and 13 of the treaty. -Apply those rights to real-world situations. -Identify which country has not yet ratified the CRC treaty. What can we do? <image src=http://irscaevr.weebly.com/uploads/4/2/3/7/4237770/published/the-right-to-be-heard.jpg?1490493832> Educate others. Email, Tweet, call state representatives; help us develop this prototype into a game and Tweet to: @ChangeIt4Better; let's pass this game on and vote YES to ratify the CRC. It matters for the Alexes, Jennys, Jeffs, Jims and parents who just want their children afforded basic human rights. It matters. Pass it on. ADD SOCIAL MEDIA BUTTONS. ______________ End with: Take quotes right from pages 16 &17: Source: https://www.unicef.org/specialsession/docs_new/documents/childrensforumreport-en.pdf

(text-style: "bold")[You've just landed in New York seeing a room from Jeff's eyes.] My dad hurt my mom and the judge in NY awarded me this Restraining Order so my dad is not allowed to hurt me. I hide it in my sock when I go with him and hope I never have to use it. It says it will protect me. I'm afraid of him, especially when he drinks. It doesn't matter, though. He's my dad. I have to go. I wonder if the paper in my sock will really protect me. He's pretty big and it's pretty light. See what the CRC says: PICTURE OF SCROLL TO BE ADDED FOR THIS (link: "CRC")[(open-url: "https://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf")] <img src=http://irscaevr.weebly.com/uploads/4/2/3/7/4237770/fullsizerender-5_orig.jpg> <img src=http://irscaevr.weebly.com/uploads/4/2/3/7/4237770/published/fullsizerender-4.jpg> [[I'm just going to refuse to go.|Wrong Answer for New York, USA]] [[I can't stop shaking but I'm going.|Right answer for New York, USA]] [[I can't deal. Take me away to Costa Rica!|Take me away to Costa Rica!]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

(text-style: "bold")[Now you're kneeling in a living room in Massachusetts viewing the scene from Jenny's eyes.] It's a bit colder and smells terrible since your dog just pooped on the carpet. Your dad yells at you to eat it since it's your dog.(align:"==>")[<img src=http://irscaevr.weebly.com/uploads/4/2/3/7/4237770/published/image-1.png>] See what the CRC says: PICTURE OF SCROLL TO BE ADDED FOR THIS (link: "CRC")[(open-url: "https://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf")] [[Your mom is fighting with your dad now. They're screaming at each other. Just eat it because he's just going to hurt your mom next. |Right answer for Massachusettes, USA]] [[Quickly clean it up, run in your bedroom and lock the door. You hope your brother will protect your mom.|Wrong Answer for Massachusettes, USA]] (align: "==>")[Picture source: CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication Max Pixel : https://pixabay.com/photo-2052641/] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

[[Fight, run or beg to go home and never go again. I have rights!|Wrong Answer for USA]] [[I'll just do what he tells me. I don't have rights. Surely they won't make us go back when they see the bruises. |Right Answer for USA]] (align:"==>")[<img src=http://irscaevr.weebly.com/uploads/4/2/3/7/4237770/published/11048963983-b36fa86ee4-z.jpg>] We're too young. Take me to another portal when I'm older. We’ll have rights when we’re older. Let's just keep going and see... [[Next stop, exchange at the police station.|Now he's dropping Alex and Jim off at the police station but won't let them go. Alex escapes, but he drags the baby around by his arm. Ranting.]] [[Take me somewhere they would listen to me|If you lived in Germany]] See what the CRC says. PICTURE OF SCROLL TO BE ADDED FOR THIS (link: "CRC")[(open-url: "https://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf")] (align:"==>")[Picture source: CC BY-SA 2.0 Rajarshi MITRA (Commons, 2014). Link:https://flic.kr/p/hQmQ42] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

Well, you can ask to go home, but you don't have rights as a child in Palm Beach County, Florida. So, if your dad says, "No," you probably aren't going anywhere. The Constitution of the USA states: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility... promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” In fact, Amendment I states: "Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech." For a while it was the perception of the courts that these words didn't apply to certain races or genders. To date, it's still often the perception that these words don't apply to children in many places in the US. The CRC's Article #12 states: "Children have the right to give their opinion, and for adults to listen and take it seriously." But, the United States has not yet ratified this treaty and reality is, not all states and counties will listen to the preferences and needs of the children. So, although you can try to assertively express your desires, the Palm Beach County courts may not listen or value your words. If you are heard, depending upon the perception of the judge, you and Alex will probably not have a right. Parental rights supersede children's rights in most cases. Jim: We may never be heard until we're adults in this county. Want to see the countries which ratified the CRC? (link: "Countries which Ratified the CRC")[(open-url: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Convention_on_the_Rights_of_the_Child.svg#/media/File:Convention_on_the_Rights_of_the_Child.svg")] [[See what it would be like if you lived in Australia]] [[If you lived in Germany]] [[What more can you do?| Explore]] [[Try Again|Do Alex and Jim have the right to just go home?]]

Kudos to you! Although the CRC's Article #12 states: "Children have the right to give their opinion, and for adults to listen and take it seriously" and Article #27 states: “Children have a right to a standard of living that is good enough to meet their physical and mental needs,” the USA has not adopted the CRC. The reality is, not all states and counties will listen to the preferences and needs of the children. Sometimes, it's really up to the perception of the judge if he wants to deal with children or not. So, although you can try to assertively express your desires, you are correct that the Palm Beach County courts may not listen to or value your words. Kids either get lucky with their parents who look out for them and take care of them or they have to learn to fend for themselves. Select an XP asset to add to your character: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] Back to the portal: [[Take me away to Costa Rica!]] [[Visit Jeff in New York. He has a restraining order he hides in his sock.]] [[Visit Jenny in Massachusetts.|Visit Jenny in Massachusettes.]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

(text-style: "bold")[Alex and Jim are being exchanged at the police station in Palm Beach.] You see the scene through Jim's eyes at first. You've just arrived at the police station in your dad's truck. Alex is about 18 months old now and can speak. PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEE VIEW FROM ANY OF THESE CHARACTER'S VIEWPOINTS BY SELECTING ON THEM. I see mom and our step-dad waiting in the parking lot for us as we drive in. My dad opens the truck door and grabs Alex and me by the wrist when he lets us out. Why is he pulling us in the opposite direction from mom? Jim: "No! Let me go! Let me go!" Dad starts running and dragging us. I pull and I pull and I wriggle away from him. Jim: "Let go of Alex! Let go of Alex!" He's dragging him! JIM ESCAPES FREE BUT DAD CONTINUES TO DRAG THE BABY AROUND THE PARKING LOT LIKE A RAG DOLL.STEP-DAD STARTS WALKING CLOSER, MOTIONING WITH HIS HANDS TO CALM FATHER DOWN. MOM GRABS THE LITTLE VIDEO CAMERA. It is 1997, so a hand-sized video camera is new for her. She bought it because these exchanges are the only way her ex-husband is allowed to get to her anymore and no one believes what occurs when she tells them. She was given an Indefinite Restraining order to keep him away from her and knows all too well how his hands hurt and threaten their lives. The judges ordered the child exchanges to be done at the police station to protect her but this police station is closed at the time they were ordered to meet. So, there is never anyone there. She finally bought the camera because she knew today he might be even more volatile. It is the anniversary of the day his brother killed himself. Her ex-husband had told her that his brother held a gun to their father's head for "screwing them all up" and then finally killed himself. MOM GETS THE CAMERA OUT AND IS SHAKING LIKE SHE OFTEN DOES NOW. SHE POINTS IT TO HER EX-HUSBAND WHO DRAGS HER SON AROUND THE PARKING LOT. SHE'S NEVER USED THE CAMERA BEFORE THOUGH AND FAILS TO PUSH THE RIGHT BUTTON UNTIL JIM STARTS RUNNING TO HER. STEP-DAD TRIES TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE DAD. IT RESEMBLES A HOSTAGE SCENE. Step-dad (SPEAKING CALMLY): "Look what you're doing to him. Just let him go. Look at the kid. You're scaring him." JIM RUNS TO HIS MOM. Jim (IN DESPERATION TO MOM): "Mom, Mom, is everything going to be ok? Mom, I love you so much. Oh crap." Mom is traumatized by what she is watching but tries to be in control. Mom (MONOTONE): "Yes, Jim! Everything is fine! Just get in the car." ALEX FINALLY WRIGGLES FREE AND RUNS TO STEP-DAD WHO SCOOPS HIM UP, RETURNS TO CAR AND STRAPS HIM IN THE CAR SEAT. Mom: "Call the police?" Step-dad: "Call 911." MOM PLACES THE CAMERA ON THE FRONT DASHBOARD POINTED AT THE BACK SEAT. CAMERA ZOOMS INTO FLIP PHONE WITH MOM'S HANDS DIALING 911 FROM MOM'S PERSPECTIVE. A FEW MOMENTS LATER, POLICE ARRIVE. Jim: "Mom, mom, show him the tape! I beg you! Show him the tape!" Alex (THROUGH TEARS): "Please, don't make me go with him." Jim: "You're not going back with him anymore, Alex." Later, the therapist tells mom the children should be treated for post-traumatic stress disorder. They call it PTSD. SETTING NOTES FOR DEVELOPERS: Dad is dropping Alex and Jim off at the police station but won't let them go. Alex escapes, but he drags the baby around by his arm. Ranting. This video to be used to set scene for Alex and Jim's story throughout this game. (link: "Watch it.")[(open-url: "https://youtu.be/NNinL5FXMNE")] DEVELOPERS, TO COME UP WITH CARTOON IMAGERY LIKE this following link to use in real game. IMAGERY ENVISIONED TO LOOK SOMETHING LIKE (link: "ANIMATED OWEN RUNNING IN FEAR ")[(open-url: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n7fosK9UyY&feature=youtu.be&t=1m47s")](ONLY AT A DESOLATE POLICE STATION). <img src=http://irscaevr.weebly.com/uploads/4/2/3/7/4237770/screen-shot-2017-01-29-at-3-39-09-am.png> PICTURE OF SCROLL TO BE ADDED FOR THIS (link: "CRC.")[(open-url: "https://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf")] [[Face the dilemma.|Do Alex and Jim have the right to just go home?]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE. (align:"==>")[Video source: ©Ensmann, 2010] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

Right answer! Select an asset to add to your character toolbox:(align:"==>")[<img src=http://irscaevr.weebly.com/uploads/4/2/3/7/4237770/published/image.png>] [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] The reality is, not all states and counties will listen to the preferences of the children. So, although you can try to assertively express your desires, you are correct in that the New York courts may provide you with a restraining order but may not uphold your cries of not wanting to go. Bottom line, kids either get lucky with their parents or essentially they learn to fend for themselves. Where to now? [[Visit Jenny in Massachusetts.|Visit Jenny in Massachusettes.]] [[Visit Jeff in New York. He has a restraining order he hides in his sock.]] [[Now he's dropping Alex and Jim off at the police station but won't let them go. Alex escapes, but he drags the baby around by his arm. Ranting.]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

So, since the USA has not ratified the CRC yet... depending upon the perception of the judge in the courtroom, you probably don’t have a right that will be supported in court, Jeff. Depending upon the county and judge, parental rights often supersede your rights so you may never be heard until you’re an adult in this state. There has been a case in NY where a judge permitted a thirteen-year-old to change his name, though. So, maybe you'll get lucky. Good luck! The CRC's Article #12 states: "Children have the right to give their opinion, and for adults to listen and take it seriously." But, the United States has not yet ratified this treaty and reality is, not all states and counties will listen to the preferences of the children. Want to see the countries which ratified the CRC? (link: "Countries which Ratified the CRC")[(open-url: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Convention_on_the_Rights_of_the_Child.svg#/media/File:Convention_on_the_Rights_of_the_Child.svg")] So, without this, although you can try to assertively express your desires, the NY courts may just dismiss your case. <img src=http://irscaevr.weebly.com/uploads/4/2/3/7/4237770/fullsizerender-3_orig.jpg> <img src=http://irscaevr.weebly.com/uploads/4/2/3/7/4237770/fullsizerender-7_orig.jpg> [[What more can you do?| Explore]] [[Try Again|Visit Jeff in New York. He has a restraining order he hides in his sock.]] [[See how it is handled in some counties in California, USA]]

That was gross, but you survived! Select an asset to add to your character toolbox: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] The reality is, not all states and counties will listen to the preferences and needs of children. So, although they can try to assertively express their desires, you are correct in that the not all the State's courts will uphold their cries of resisting their parent's orders in the name of discipline. Bottom line, kids either get lucky with their parents or essentially they learn to fend for themselves. You did what you needed to survive and protect your family. Take me to another portal! [[Fly to the United Kingdom where courts agreed to listen to children like me!]] [[Meet with your dad in St. Lucie County, Florida|Jenny meets with her dad in St. Lucie County, Florida.]] [[Alex and Jim are 5 & 6 now|Visit Alex and Jim. They are 5 & 6 now]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

You survived; but the trauma that you heard your mom go through makes you shake. The therapist says you all need to be treated for PTSD. Since the USA has not ratified the CRC yet... depending upon the perception of the judge in the courtroom, the child doesn’t have a right. Parental rights supersede their rights so they may never be heard until they’re an adult in this county. The CRC's Article #12 states: "Children have the right to give their opinion, and for adults to listen and take it seriously." But, the United States has not yet ratified this treaty and reality is, not all states and counties will listen to the preferences and needs of children. Want to see the countries which ratified the CRC? (link: "Countries which Ratified the CRC")[(open-url: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Convention_on_the_Rights_of_the_Child.svg#/media/File:Convention_on_the_Rights_of_the_Child.svg")] So, although they can try to assertively express their desires and needs, the Massachusetts courts may not listen or value their words. Mom said you're moving to Florida now. Maybe things will get better there. [[What more can you do?| Explore]] [[Try Again|Visit Jenny in Massachusettes.]]

(text-style:"bold")[Looking through Jenny's eyes:] Jenny: "My mom finally got up the courage to leave my dad. We don't want to go with him either. But the magistrate told her she would put her in jail if my brother and I don't. So we still have to go visit him now. The St. Lucie County courts ordered that we meet him at a safe exchange location. How can it be safe if he's there? I don't want to go! I told everyone that. My brother is 15. I'm 13. Do you know what they told me? They told me: "It didn’t matter what we wanted or that they were afraid of him." Don't I have a right to refuse?" See what the CRC says: PICTURE OF SCROLL TO BE ADDED FOR THIS (link: "CRC")[(open-url: "https://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf")] Take the path... [[No|Right answer for St. Lucie County, Florida, USA]] [[Yes|Wrong Answer for St. Lucie County, Florida, USA]] [[Get out of here!|Visit Nepal]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

Right answer! Select an asset to add to your character toolbox: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] The reality is, not all states and counties will listen to the words of the children. Sometimes people will believe us though! In this case, the social worker from Stuart basically saved our lives - she not only listened, she HEARD us and felt our fear! Just knowing someone believed us! We threatened to run away but we were told during the exchanges that our mom would be arrested (or we would get into big trouble) if we did. So, although we can try to assertively express our desires and needs, these US courts may not uphold children's cries for resisting parent's orders. We all went to counseling for PTSD treatment. They put us on medication. Of course, it effected all of us differently. It messed us up at school. We were just always afraid now. We just could barely function. Even though they had the sheriff standing in the corner of the exchanges it didn’t stop our father from whispering insults and threatening all of us. We want our rights and begged mom to them. The more she begged the courts for them the more she got in trouble and was told we should all go to family counseling. They didn't want to hear what we wanted. The magistrate only kept repeating that mom was going to be arrested if she didn’t provide us to our "wonderful loving father with his rights." Bull! I got sick, mentally and physically, anything to get out of going. It was just ugly. Bottom line, kids either get lucky with their parents or essentially they learn to fend for themselves. I did. I am a survivor and a woman ready to change the world now. Where to now? [[Visit Alex and Jim. They are 5 & 6 now]] [[Fly to Alex and Jim. They're 7 & 8 now and don't know what state they're in, but think they're still in the States.]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]] CONSIDER: DO I WANT TO MAKE THESE COUNTIES FAUX COUNTY NAMES SO AS NOT TO UPSET OR STATE THE FACTS AS THEY ARE?

So, since the USA has not ratified the CRC yet... depending upon the perception of the judge in the courtroom, children probably don’t have a right. Parental rights supersede children's rights so Jenny may never be heard until she's an adult in this county. Wish her luck! The CRC's Article #12 states: "Children have the right to give their opinion, and for adults to listen and take it seriously." But, the United States has not yet ratified this treaty and reality is, not all states and counties will listen to the preferences of the children. Want to see the countries which ratified the CRC? (link: "Countries which Ratified the CRC")[(open-url: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Convention_on_the_Rights_of_the_Child.svg#/media/File:Convention_on_the_Rights_of_the_Child.svg")] So, although, you, Jenny can try to assertively express your desires and needs, the Massachusetts courts and the Florida courts may not listen or value your words. [[What more can you do?| Explore]] [[Try Again|Jenny meets with her dad in St. Lucie County, Florida now.]]

The case for Alex and Jim still resides in Palm Beach county, Florida even though their parents no longer live there. Alex repeats Jim's plea to their own attorney: "Please don’t make us go." She responds: [["Sure."|You have a right]] [["You don't have rights. He has rights to you. He's your father. It's just the way it is. You don't have a choice.|No right]] [[Portal to Bangladesh]] See what the CRC says: PICTURE OF SCROLL TO BE ADDED FOR THIS (link: "CRC")[(open-url:"https://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf")] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

Nope! Wrong answer. Ms. Attorney says to you the children: "Don't ever use that word again. You don't have 'rights'. Your father has 'rights' to you." Your set back a few years from being heard. The Constitution of the USA states: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility... promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” In fact, Amendment I states: "Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech." For a while it was the perception of the courts that these words didn't apply to certain races or genders. To date, it's still often the perception that these words don't apply to children in the States. So, since the USA has not ratified the CRC yet... depending upon the perception of the judge in the courtroom, parents' rights will supersede children. In fact, children may never even be heard until they’re an adult (of the magic age of 18) in this county. So, they could in fact be driving and serving our country before they get this right. The CRC's Article #12 states: "Children have the right to give their opinion, and for adults to listen and take it seriously." But, the United States has not yet ratified this treaty and reality is, not all states and counties will listen to the preferences of the children. Want to see the countries which ratified the CRC? (link: "Countries which Ratified the CRC")[(open-url: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Convention_on_the_Rights_of_the_Child.svg#/media/File:Convention_on_the_Rights_of_the_Child.svg")] So, although they can try to assertively express their desires and needs, the Palm Beach County courts may not listen or value those words. [[What more can you do?| Explore]] [[Try Again|What choice do they have now?]]

You answered: I don't have a right. XP Points earned! The judge often says that's the right answer in Palm Beach, Fl. USA! In fact, it's the right answer in a couple of counties in Florida... according to the law. I am important! The law just doesn't protect my rights. Since my dad hurt my brother and we're afraid of him, we've gone to the courts with my mom to get a restraining order like she has; you know... to keep us safe. But, no county will give us one. They keep saying he has rights to us. Gain assets! Select an asset to add to your character toolbox: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] Although Article 27 states: “Children have a right to a standard of living that is good enough to meet their physical and mental needs,” the USA has not adopted the CRC. So, kids either get lucky with their parents or essentially have to learn to fend for themselves. What can we do? [[Explore 2]] Where to now? [[Fly to Alex and Jim. They're 7 & 8 now and don't know what state they're in, but think they're still in the States.]] [[Jim and Alex are hiding from the police now. Come quick!]] [[Sleeping in car at rest-stop]] [[At the cult in Alabama]] [[Back in Palm Beach. Disgusting living conditions. Please send the police. Help|Back in Palm Beach. Disgusting living conditions. Please send the police. Please help.]] [[Take me to a land of hope!]] [[Take me to Romania]] [[Canada]] [[Bangladesh|Portal to Bangladesh]] [[Visit Nepal]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]] CONSIDER: DO I WANT TO MAKE THESE COUNTIES FAUX COUNTY NAMES SO AS NOT TO UPSET OR STATE THE FACTS AS THEY ARE?

Run/call the police if in danger! Keep speaking! Someone has to help! Adopters of the CRC treaty have found: “ It applies both to issues that affect individual children, such as decisions about where they live following their parents’ divorce,” https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/insight6.pdf “THE CASE FOR LISTENING TO CHILDREN 1.4.1 It leads to better decisions Children have a body of experience and knowledge that is unique to their situation. They have views and ideas as a result of that experience. “https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/insight6.pdf “Why children want to be involved in issues that affect them ● It offers them new skills ● It builds their self-esteem ● It challenges the sense of impotence often associated with childhood ● It empowers them to tackle abuses and neglect of their rights ● They have a great deal they want to say ● They think that adults often get it wrong ● They feel their contribution could lead to better decisions ● They feel it is right to listen to them when it is their life at issue ● They want to contribute to making the world a better place ● It can be fun ● It offers a chance to meet with children from different environments, of different ages and experience”

We’re even older now and still want to go home. Choose a path... [[You have a right]] [[No right]] See what the CRC says: PICTURE OF SCROLL TO BE ADDED FOR THIS (link: "CRC")[(open-url: "https://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf")] [[Take me to a land of hope!]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

(text-style:"bold")[Alex: We're now sleeping in his van at rest-stops.] I guess it's better than the park bench or under the tree where mom told us she saw other kids sleeping. Do I have a right to come home yet? [[You have a right]] [[No right]] Court officials tell the mom: -"If he has no home he can't give you an address, now can he?" -"Get over it. They're going to turn out just like him." -"Bottom line, unless you catch him in the act of sexually molesting them, we can't do anything." PERHAPS WE CAN PUT THESE WORDS SCROLLING ON THE SCREEN. [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

MOOD (CREATE WITH IMAGERY AND AUDIO) OF DESPAIR. DILAPIDATED HOUSE IS IN WOODS WITH LONG DRIVEWAY. PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEE VIEW FROM ANY OF THESE CHARACTER'S VIEWPOINTS BY SELECTING ON THEM. Mom: You called to request a cop go in. It’s an option. Probably won’t go far in Palm Beach, Fl. USA. See what the CRC says: PICTURE OF SCROLL TO BE ADDED FOR THIS (link: "CRC")[(open-url: "https://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf")] Nope! Wrong answer. From the mom's viewpoint on the phone dialing 911: Yes, may I get a welfare check on my children? My children are asking the police to come in. The are sending me pictures of disgusting conditions they’re living in. Repulsive. Please, send someone in? This is what happens when Alex and Jim's mom requests a police officer to do a welfare check: Mom: I'm calling to request a welfare check on my children. They're telling me that their living in a house where the ceiling is falling in, there is mold on the ceilings and walls, broken windows, no food in the refrigerator and meat on the floor. Dispatcher: Ok. You're looking for a welfare check. Who are the children with? Mom: Their birth-father. Dispatcher: Is he supposed to have the children? Mom: Yes; but, they're describing horrific living conditions. They are begging for me to get them out of there. Dispatcher: Ok. We'll send someone in. Time goes by. The phone continues to light up with texts: "Send them, mom!" Mom's viewpoint of phone dialing 911: "What's taking the police so long? My children are in the house alone texting me that the police haven't come yet. Dispatcher: They can't go up the driveway, ma'am; there is a gate. Do you know his number so they can call him? They have to wait until he gets home to go up the driveway. Mom: What?! The children are in the house by themselves. They are requesting the police to come in! You want me to give you his number so you can alert him? Dispatcher: They can't go up the driveway, ma'am; there is a gate. Do you know his number so they can call him? They have to wait until he gets home to go up the driveway. Children continue to call mother and beg her to send someone in while he is gone. Time goes by. Mom repeats call and is told that the police are waiting for the father to come home since they can't walk up the long driveway without his permission (despite her telling them the children are home alone in the house). Father finally comes home and calls for children to come out of the house. The police ask him if everything is ok and he responds yes. The children stand like soldiers obeying their father. The police never asked the children or went inside the house. Police leave. The USA has not ratified the CRC yet so depending upon the perception of the judge in the courtroom, the child probably doesn’t have a right. Parental rights supersede your rights so the cop will probably not even ask the children if they're afraid or if anything is wrong if their father is standing next to them. And, they won't say anything because no one has helped them to date. They have to take care of themselves and fearfully say nothing standing next to that parent. Good luck! KIDS FEEL LIKE NO ONE IS ON THEIR SIDE. THERE'S NO HOPE. [[Try a different path|Back in Palm Beach. Disgusting living conditions. Please send the police. Please help.]] Want to see the countries which ratified the CRC? (link: "Countries which Ratified the CRC")[(open-url: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Convention_on_the_Rights_of_the_Child.svg#/media/File:Convention_on_the_Rights_of_the_Child.svg")] [[Explore 3]]

MOOD (CREATE WITH IMAGERY AND AUDIO) OF DESPAIR Well, let’s hope. But, for the close to 2,000 who died in 2014 from abuse, we will say you got this answer wrong. Actually, it could be GAME OVER right now. (text-style: "bold")[Child Abuse Fatalities:] "-We must learn to recognize early signs of abuse in order to help save the 5 children that die every day from child abuse and neglect. In 2014, state agencies identified an estimated 1,580 children who died as a result of abuse and neglect — between four and five children a day. -However, studies also indicate significant undercounting of child maltreatment fatalities by state agencies — by 50% or more. -That's roughly ¼ of your child's elementary school class. More than 70% of the children who died as a result of child abuse or neglect were two years of age or younger. More than 80% were not yet old enough for kindergarten. -Around 80% of child maltreatment fatalities involve at least one parent as perpetrator. -Quiz: Do you know how many children will die today from child abuse? (link: "SHARE THIS QUIZ")[(open-url: "https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse-statistics #child-abuse!")] Child Abuse Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved March 21, 2017, from http://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse-statistics/#child-abuse. KIDS FEEL LIKE YOU'RE NOT FIGHTING FOR THEM. [[Take a different path|Back in Palm Beach. Disgusting living conditions. Please send the police. Please help.]] What can you do? [[Explore 3]]

Stalled for a few more months. Court case just keeps getting bigger. He has rights. The kids don't. The state attorney tells the mom: "If he has no money, then I guess he can't provide you an address for under a bridge. You're lucky they have a roof over their head" despite them telling me and sending pictures that it's falling in. Their case was one of the largest in Palm Beach County. Equal rights matters regardless of race, religion, disability, gender. Should equal rights be equal regardless of age too? Alex and Jim, Jeff, Jenny and their moms think so. Holly and her kids think so. What can we do? Ratifying the CRC to begin acknowledging children are human and deserve the same basic human rights as other citizens of the USA might be a good start. [[Educate about the CRC treaty]] [[Explore 3]]

IMAGERY ENVISIONED TO SHOW FINGERS ON A HAND ENUMERATING EACH OF THESE SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE. MOM IS TEACHING THE KIDS WHEN THEY'RE HOME: -the 5 signs of emotional abuse on their hands: -intimidating/threatening (the looks and glares; sitting on the train track; driving crazy with lights off) -humiliating/degrading (putting down, minimizing) -controlling (telling you what and how to do everything;i.e.:"I see you in your heart all the time," vs. "I love you.") -isolating (not allowed to see or talk to friends and family) -corruption (sneaking into movie theaters and sporting events without paying) -Techniques to cope: -look for a safe stranger -find a phone -watch for landmarks so they can know and communicate where they are -fend for themselves to survive: Talk about it. Have you ever felt this way? Do you know someone else who lives like this? (link: "Post ideas you have to cope")[(open-url: "https://www.facebook.com/lttco/")] [[Want to try a different route?|Back in Palm Beach. Disgusting living conditions. Please send the police. Please help.]] [[He's taking them to Pennsylvania now where he plays Russian roulette with them in traffic|They're playing russian roeullet automobile style in Pennsylvania now]] [[On the train tracks]]

Game over.

Through Holly's eyes you see a sea of bewilderment. I've contacted the Underground. I'm leaving my family and friends but it's the only way out to save my kids. [[Run|Branch 1]] [[Run Far|Branch 2]] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

[[Nothing. Kids are resilient.]] [[Run. Someone has to help!]] [[Go to court.]] Still too young. Hopefully, children will surely be given rights as they age in the States. [[Visit the three and four year olds in Palm Beach, Fl. USA]] [[Visit Jeff in New York. He has a restraining order he hides in his sock.]] See what the CRC says. PICTURE OF SCROLL TO BE ADDED FOR THIS (link: "CRC")[(open-url: "https://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf")] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE]

You answered “Do nothing. Kids are resilient.” Well, let’s hope. But, for the close to 2,000 who died in 2014 from abuse, we will say you got this answer wrong. Actually, it could be GAME OVER right now. (text-style: "bold")[Child Abuse Fatalities:] "-We must learn to recognize early signs of abuse in order to help save the 5 children that die every day from child abuse and neglect. In 2014, state agencies identified an estimated 1,580 children who died as a result of abuse and neglect — between four and five children a day. -However, studies also indicate significant undercounting of child maltreatment fatalities by state agencies — by 50% or more. -That's roughly ¼ of your child's elementary school class. More than 70% of the children who died as a result of child abuse or neglect were two years of age or younger. More than 80% were not yet old enough for kindergarten. -Around 80% of child maltreatment fatalities involve at least one parent as perpetrator. -Quiz: Do you know how many children will die today from child abuse? (link: "SHARE THIS QUIZ")[(open-url: "https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse-statistics #child-abuse!")] Child Abuse Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved March 21, 2017, from http://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse-statistics/#child-abuse. [[What other avenues can you take?|What do I do?]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY PAGE]

Holly ran but got caught! She is imprisoned and the children have to go back with the abuser. IMAGERY IS DARK, ENVISIONED TO BE SOMETHING LIKE THIS. (link: "SEE")[(open-url: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvFAQ1QEw_s")] Holly: "I go to jail and kids go back with the abuser?!" (text-style: "bold")[Game Over.] A Way Out: [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE]

Holly is lucky she didn't get caught or it would have been game over! She would have gone to jail and the children would have had to go back to their father whom they are afraid of. IMAGERY IS DARK. MUSIC IS FAST PACED. (link: "SEE")[(open-url: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvFAQ1QEw_s")] Holly is lucky she has escaped the country! She's on the run! She makes it to Canada, Mexico, then the Netherlands where she lives in camps with Bosnian and Somalian war refugees and is finally given asylum to protect her from the abuse she and her children were suffering from in the US since the Netherlands honors the CRC and listens to the children! See what the CRC says: PICTURE OF SCROLL TO BE ADDED FOR THIS (link: "CRC")[(open-url: "https://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf")] As this case turned out, though, Holly escaped to a country who ratified the CRC and was granted asylum with her children in the Netherlands to protect them from the abuse they were suffering in the US. Children grow up; petition the US courts; courts dismiss warrant they had out for Holly and her family finally comes home to the US after hiding for fourteen years! (link: "See the blog her daughter wrote so they could all come home.")[(open-url: "http://americanchildrenunderground.blogspot.com/")] (link: "Hear about it from the attorney:")[(open-url: "http://womensenews.org/2008/07/us-mom-in-dutch-haven-told-face-trial-cede-kids/")] XP points earned! Select an asset to add to your character toolbox: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] [[Visit the three and four year olds in Palm Beach, Fl. USA]] [[Visit Jeff in New York. He has a restraining order he hides in his sock.]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

SCENE: Just like Holly and the children have been told before: In most cases in the US, kids don't have rights and a parent better not “alienate the other parent”. Through Holly's eyes you see the courtroom now and hear the other attorney cry: "parental alienation". OUTCOME TEXT: That's how Holly originally lost custody. Visitations for Holly will be even more limited now so kids can't communicate with her at all anymore. What other avenues can you take next? [[What do I do?]] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

(text-style:"bold")[Take Action] Educate about the CRC treaty. See what the CRC says: PICTURE OF SCROLL TO BE ADDED FOR THIS (link: "CRC")[(open-url: "https://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf")] What more can we do? -Spread the word! Make sure children in your country know about their rights. -Share this game with others! ADD SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS HERE TO SHARE GAME -Let social media know about the importance of children’s issues and rights. -Stay connected with the cause (link: "Child's Rights USA")[(open-url: "https://twitter.com/ChildRightsUSA")] (link: "ChangeIt4Better")[(open-url: "https://twitter.com/ChangeIt4Better")] (link: "Listen to the Children")[(open-url: " https://facebook.com/lttco/")] -Voice your opinion! (link: "Global Movement for Children to connect with other young Voices of Youth, UNICEF’s website for young people")[(open-url: "http://www.voicesofyouth.org/")] -Vote! -Start a petition for the president. -Write letters to your local and federal legislatures to ratify the CRC. -Work with governments and organizations to create support for children. -Here are some ideas how to: (link: "Child Rights Campaign")[(open-url: "http://www.childrightscampaign.org/take-action")] -Keep playing more to learn more! (link: "Play more games developed by Europe to learn about the CRC")[(open-url: "https://ec.europa.eu/0-18/wrc_index_en.jsp?main=true&initLang=EN")] -See action steps offered by Gerison Lansdown in (link: "Promoting Children's Participation in Democratic Decision-Making")[(open-url: "https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/insight6.pdf")] (link: "Just for teachers")[(open-url: "http://teachunicef.org/teaching-materials/topic/child-rights-crc")]

(Text-style:"bold")[For the Teacher] This game addresses: (text-style:"bold")[Common Core State Standards] -Grades 6-8 Literacy in History/Social Studies English Language Arts/Literacy (2010) CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.2 Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions. (text-style:"bold")[Common Core State Standards] -Grades 6-8 Literacy in History/Social Studies English Language Arts/Literacy (2010) CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies. [Words to be highlighted to give definition; i.e. ratification, CRC, treaty] (text-style:"bold")[Common Core State Standards] -Grades 9-10 Literacy in History/Social Studies English Language Arts/Literacy (2010) CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.9-10.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary describing political, social, or economic aspects of history/social studies. (text-style:"bold")[Common Core State Standards] -Grades 9-10 Literacy in History/Social Studies English Language Arts/Literacy (2010) CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.9-10.9 Compare and contrast treatments of the same topic in several primary and secondary sources. (link: "International Standards for Technology in Education")[(open-url: "https://www.iste.org/standards/standards/for-students-2016")] (link: "21st Century Skills")[(open-url: "http://www.p21.org/our-work/p21-framework")] Aligns with: (link: "iCivics Trip Around the World Lesson Plan")[(open-url: "https://www.icivics.org/teachers/lesson-plans/trip-around-world")]

DILEMMA ICON: How might Katrina get what she wants? AGGRESSIVE ICON: Get me fruit! -> RETURNS: AGGRESSIVE INTIMIDATES OTHERS AND STARTS A FIGHT. STALLED FROM GETTING BREAKFAST SHE WANTS FOR A FEW MORE MONTHS. TRY AGAIN. PASSIVE ICON: I just won't eat what they serve. -> RETURNS: FEELING (CREATE WITH IMAGERY AND AUDIO) OF DISAPPOINTMENT. KATRINA WILL GO HUNGRY AND POSSIBLY GET SICK OR MAYBE SHE OVEREATS OUT OF FRUSTRATION. THIS DOESN'T HELP HER GET WHAT SHE WANTS. POINTS LOST. TRY AGAIN. ASSERTIVE ICON (Offer to help and take responsibility too): Mamma/Poppa, I would like to try fruit or pancakes for breakfast. May we please get some sometime? I'll help make the pancakes! -> MOVES ON TO: THIS MIGHT JUST WORK! KUDOS! XP POINTS AWARDED! Select an XP asset to add to your character: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] [[Try Again|Does Katrina have a right in Germany?]]

Alex and Jim continue to assertively use their words with many adults throughout the years. How else can they help themselves? Jim & Alex express: AGGRESSIVE ICON: I'm going to fight back! He hurt my brother; I'm going to hurt him when I get big enough. I'll workout and get bigger and stronger. -> STALLED FROM GETTING OUT FOR A FEW MORE MONTHS; GETTING BIGGER, STRONGER, HEALTHIER IS ALL GOOD; BUT TWO WRONGS DON#39;T MAKE A RIGHT. JIM COULD GET IN TROUBLE FOR HURTING SOMEONE AND IT PROBABLY WON'T REALLY MAKE HIM FEEL GOOD IN THE END, NOT TO MENTION THAT COULD MAKE HIS PARENT GO EVEN CRAZIER. TRY AGAIN. PASSIVE ICON: I'll just pretend like it doesn't happen and look the other way.->RETURNS: FEELING (CREATE WITH IMAGERY AND AUDIO) OF DESPAIR; UNFORTUNATELY, WHEN SOMEONE IS LIVING THROUGH SOMETHING, THEY CAN'T REALLY SWEEP AWAY WHAT THEY EXPERIENCE. IT'S LIKE HIDING DIRT UNDER THE CARPET. NO ONE CAN SEE IT BUT IT'S STILL THERE. EMOTIONAL ABUSE IS LIKE THAT. SOMETIMES IT'S WORSE EVEN THEN PHYSICAL ABUSE BECAUSE THE SCARS ARE WARN ON THE INSIDE AND NO ONE CAN SEE THEM. [[Explore the signs of emotional abuse. Recognize them to cope with them.]] TRY AGAIN. ASSERTIVE ICON: We're going to stay close as a team. We'll keep speaking out to everyone who will listen and do what we need to do to take care of us while we're with him. We'll play soccer and focus on fun and excercise every chance we get to take care of our hearts and bodies. -> RETURNS: KUDOS! XP POINTS AWARDED. THE TRAUMA DOESN'T GO AWAY, BUT YOU'LL GROW UP TO BE BETTER PEOPLE THEN THE PARENT INFLICTING IT. Select an XP asset to add to your character: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] [[Try Again|Do Alex and Jim have the right to just go home?]]

XP Score! Australia has adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child Treaty which provides that “Children have a right to be heard in all proceedings effecting them.” If you and Alex lived in Australia you would be heard there! In fact, cases like this are heard in health facilities where people are trained to honor and respect your words as much adults'. Select an XP asset to add to your character toolbox: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] [[Visit the mom in Minnesota, USA]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

(text-style:"bold")[About this Game] Purpose: Make a positive difference... better a life. Years of research have gone into this Game4Change designed to educate about grave injustices still occurring for children, while offering opportunities to overcome them. Play to learn about the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) treaty delineating basic rights ALL children should be afforded like family, food, the right to voice their needs and freedom of expression. As of the date of its creation, all UN nations have ratified this treaty but one. The U.S.A. is still outstanding and as you will see through playing the game, rights are drastically unequal for children across the states. Let's take the first step. Spread the word and let's ratify the CRC. Area of focus for Version I: As of 2014, over half of the marriages in the USA end in divorce (Centers for Disease Control, 2014). What if they disagree over child issues? Children are divided like assets without their words ever being heard. CRC Article #12 states children should have the right to be heard in legal proceedings affecting them. It's a start but many don't even know about the travesties and the intent of this treaty to overcome them. This game is designed to spread the word about real-life experiences still occurring and opportunity for change. Children don't get to vote and it is not on the radar for adults. Will you help us spread the word? Share this game with a friend, colleague, classmate, family member and on social media! All of the scenarios in this game, with the exception of three scenes which end the game, were developed based upon crowdsourced real-world scenarios and research but names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Main characters with common threads include: ● Two young boys from Florida who: ○ age ○ travel throughout the states ○ apply for restraining order and denied due to age ○ express they are afraid and don’t want to go ○ run and escapes to safety ○ are recommended to go for PTSD treatment ○ show evidence of neglect ● Mother of boys who: ○ is accused of "Parental Alienation" ● A girl and her brother from Massachusetts who: ○ age ○ travel throughout the states ○ are treated for PTSD ○ express they are afraid and don’t want to go ● Mother of siblings who: ○ is accused of "Parental Alienation" ● A boy from New York who: ○ applies for restraining order and gets it ○ expresses he is afraid and doesn't want to go ● A family from Minnesota who: ○ runs and escapes to safety ○ applies for asylum and is awarded it ○ travel overseas ○ express they are afraid and don’t want to go ○ show evidence of abuse ○ has a mother who is accused of “Parental Alienation” ● Scenes outside the US are based upon: ○ research demonstrating positive impacts the CRC is making The game decisions ultimately will lead the player with an option to continue trying again until they select the correct answer to progress. The game ends when tragedy strikes or the children finally speak in court. ○ Final Action steps are provided on that page such as social media links to share the game. Still having doubts about ratification? (link: "Read the article by Gerison Lansdown, Promoting Children's Participation in Democratic Decision-Making")[(open-url: "https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/insight6.pdf")] DEVELOPERS: (link: "Drawings and writings from children expressing their fears. Use as needed as children express their views many different ways.")[(open-url: "https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0Bwo1BZ3YFniwdXExMjVTM2wyVHc?usp=sharing")] (link: "Connect with me!")[(open-url: "http://ensmann.wefebly.com/game-for-change.html")]

(text-style:"shadow")[Children Around the World] (Prototype Version I) (text-style:"bold")[Introduction] The United Nations held a convention in Geneva, Switzerland focusing on children’s rights as the next viable investment into the future. It was called the Convention on the Rights of the Child convention and has come to be known as the CRC. This lead to a treaty created in 1989 listing basic human rights which all children should be entitled to regardless of country, state, or county. Has all the world adopted it? Is everyone honoring that list of basic human rights for children? ________________________________________________________________________________________ Play to: -Identify specific human rights listed in the CRC treaty. -Articulate on Articles 12 and 13 of the treaty. -Apply those rights to real-world situations. -Identify which country has not yet ratified the CRC treaty. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Want to do something about the injustices you witness? [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY PAGE] ________________________________________________________________ Note: Although names have been replaced to protect the survivors, scenes are based on real scenarios and may at times be graphic in nature. ________________________________________________________________ Begin here: [[Your Mission|Overview and Directions]] If you get lost, use this roadmap to navigate the game: [[GPS|StoryMenu]] ________________________________________________________________ Educators, this game aligns to CCS & ISTE Standards and 21st Century Skills! Visit: -[[For the Teacher|1.1 For the Teacher]] -[[About this Game]] NOTE: TEXT IN CAPS ARE FOR THE DEVELOPERS OF THIS GAME AND INCLUDE DIRECTIONS LIKE SETTING AND BACKGROUND INTENDED TO BE ADDED FOR THE PLAYER. VERSION I IS INTENDED ON CONCENTRATING ON CRC ARTICLES 12 & 13. THE GOAL IS TO ADVANCE THE PROTOTYPE TO PLATFORMS LIKE UNITY FOR 3D ANIMATION AND PROCEED WITH SUBSEQUENT VERSIONS TO INCLUDE THE EXPANSION INTO THE REST OF THE CRC ARTICLES AND EXPOUNDING UPON MORE REAL-WORLD SCENES FROM CROWDSOURCING. Copyright © Suzanne Ensmann, February 6, 2017

IMAGERY ENVISIONED TO SHOW FINGERS ON A HAND ENUMERATING EACH OF THESE SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE: *Intimidation *Isolation *Humiliation/Degradation *Control *Corruption Have you ever felt this way? (link: "Share about it here if you would like to.")[(open-url: "https://www.facebook.com/lttco/")] [[Try Again|Do Alex and Jim have the right to just go home?]]

XP Score! Great news! Germany has ratified the CRC Treaty which says that “Children have a right to be heard in all proceedings effecting them.” You and Alex would be heard in Germany. In fact, in this five-year-old's case, Fredrick gets to meet in a private room with the judge and tell him where he wants to live. In his case, he wanted to live with the dad and not visit with his mom. The judge listened to everyone, including Frederick, and determined that his mom would visit him, but he never had to go stay with her. His words mattered! Select an XP asset to add to your character toolbox: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] [[Visit a mom in Minnesota, USA|Visit the mom in Minnesota, USA]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

XP Score! Costa Rica has adopted the CRC Treaty. Article 12 states that “Children have a right to be heard in all proceedings effecting them.” Article 13 says they have "Freedom of expression." Since ratifying the CRC and adopting its principles, Costa Rica supports freedom of expression and participation for children. In fact, it uses a system called a "social rights audit," (Lansdown, 2001) which involves children and communities in the process of monitoring the CRC and being part of the solution for processes still in need of improvement. CREDIT SOURCE: https://www.wcl.american.edu/hrbrief/v7i2/child10years.htm Select an XP asset to add to your character: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] Let's see what the rules are across the US... Cross through the portal to: [[Visit the toddler and three-year-old in Palm Beach, Florida, USA|Visit the three and four year olds in Palm Beach, Fl. USA]] [[Visit the mom in Minnesota, USA]] [[Visit Jenny in Massachusetts.|Visit Jenny in Massachusettes.]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

XP Score! Great news! The USA has not ratified the CRC Treaty which says that “Children have a right to be heard in all proceedings effecting them,” (that's not the great news!) but some counties in California are ahead of the curve! In fact, this county considers domestic violence equivalent to terrorism today and lets children stay with the parent who was abused. They know if that parent was abused, statistics reflect it's just a matter of time before the children are also or learn to abuse based upon what they see. You matter! Select an XP asset to add to your character toolbox: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] Back to the portal: [[Take me away to Costa Rica!]] [[Visit Jenny in Massachusetts.|Visit Jenny in Massachusettes.]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

XP Score! (text-style:"bold")[United Kingdom has adopted the CRC!] (link: "In fact, they're educating their children about their rights!")[(open-url: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFHnbujV_xI&t=5s")] “Children have different views from adults on the nature of physical punishment In 1998, a consultation exercise conducted with 70 children aged 5-7 in England provided graphic evidence of the humiliation, pain and rejection they experience when their parents hit them. When asked what they understood by a ‘smack’, they all described it as a hit. Their comments on how it felt included such phrases as “it feels like someone banged you with a hammer”, “it’s like breaking your bones”, “it’s like you’re bleeding” and, “it hurts, it’s hard and it makes you sore”. Their accounts are in stark contrast to the widely promulgated view from many parents that such punishment is delivered with love, does not cause real hurt and is only applied in extremes. 4,“ (Lansdown, 2001, p.4). Source: “https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/insight6.pdf “Children have different perceptions from adults An interesting example of the contrast between adult assumptions and the reality of children’s lives was highlighted in a project undertaken with 4-5 year olds in a poor district of London in the UK in 1993.6 The children were asked to produce a mural depicting their local environment as it currently was and then as they would like to see it. The researchers found that children objected to the local council providing play areas covered in grass – widely thought to be the most appropriate surfacing. Rather they wanted concrete areas because grass made it impossible for them to see the broken glass, dog excrement and discarded needles used by the drug addicts,“ (Lansdown, 2001, p.4). Select an XP asset to add to your character toolbox: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] [[Jenny meets with her dad in St. Lucie County, Florida now.]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

XP Score! (text-style:"bold")[The United Kingdom has adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child Treaty which provides that “Children have a right to be heard in all proceedings effecting them.”] If you and your brother lived in the UK you could be heard there! In fact, there is a whole portal of games to teach children about their rights created by the European Union! Select an XP asset to add to your character toolbox: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] After the UK ratified the treaty, review returned the following findings: "The right to have their views taken seriously It is not sufficient to give children the right to be listened to. It is also important to take what they have to say seriously. Article 12 insists that children’s views are given weight and should inform decisions made about them.” "One of the most forceful lessons to emerge was that the abuse had been able to continue because children were denied any right to challenge what was happening to them.2 Their stories were not believed and they were denied access to any channels to help them articulate their concerns. Indeed, if and when they did complain, they risked further abuse. In other words, the adults involved could, with impunity, behave in ways entirely contrary to the children’s welfare because children were not listened to.“ Source: https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/insight6.pdf Step back into the portal... [[Jenny meets with her dad in St. Lucie County, Florida now.]] [[Visit Alex and Jim. They are 5 & 6 now]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

XP Score! Bangladesh has adopted the CRC! After ratifying the CRC in Bangladesh it was observed that “Only by experiencing respect for their [children's] own views and discovering the importance of their respect for the views of others, will they acquire the capacity and willingness to listen to others and so begin to understand the processes and value of democracy. It is through learning to question, to express views and having their opinions taken seriously, that children will acquire the skills and competence to develop their thinking and to exercise judgement in the myriad of issues that will confront them as they approach adulthood," (Lansdown, 2001, p.6). Consequently, "where children are encouraged to articulate their concerns and given opportunities to express their views, they will be far better protected. The silence that has accompanied sexual abuse of children within families, for example, has served to protect only the abuser. Where it is recognised that children are entitled to challenge their situation and given the mechanisms to do so, abuse and violations of rights are far more easily exposed. Children who are encouraged to talk are empowered to challenge abuses of their rights and are not simply reliant on adults to protect them. Furthermore, adults can only act to protect children if they know what is happening in children’s lives – only children can provide that information. Violence against children in prisons, abuse in foster homes, racism in schools, misrepresentation of children in the media can only be tackled effectively if children can tell their stories to those with the authority to take appropriate action,“ (Lansdown, 2001, p.7). According to Lansdown, “It is a fundamental human right All people have a right to express their views when decisions are being made that directly affect their lives – and children are people too. Whether it is an individual decision about where a child will live following her parents’ divorce, or broader issues such as the rules imposed at school, legislation on the minimum age for full time work, or representation of children in the media, children have a right to articulate their concerns, participate in the development of policy and be taken seriously," (2001, p.7). Source: https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/insight6.pdf Select an XP asset to add to your character toolbox: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] [[Back in Palm Beach. Deplorable living conditions. Please send the police. Please help!|Back in Palm Beach. Disgusting living conditions. Please send the police. Please help.]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

The attorney looks right at you and states: "You don't have rights. He has rights to you. He's your father. It's just the way it is. You don't have a choice." [[Try Again|See if they have a right now that they have an attorney!]]

XP Score! (text-style:"bold")[Nepal has adopted the CRC. “Children are change makers. We are not crawling insects, but butterflies. We are birds of freedom.” —Sanjog Thakuri, 16, Nepal], (Lansdown, 2001). Source: https://www.unicef.org/specialsession/docs_new/documents/childrensforumreport-en.pdf Select an XP asset to add to your character toolbox: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] [[Fly to Alex and Jim. They're 7 & 8 now and don't know what state they're in, but think they're still in the States.]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

XP Score! (text-style:"bold")[Armenia has adopted the CRC!] “I'm very interested in the issues concerning children and their rights, or to be correct, our rights. I got interested in those issues after I saw for the first time the human rights textbook for Armenian schools. I've been involved in some processes in my country and in the creating of national plans of action too," (Lansdown, 2001). https://www.unicef.org/specialsession/docs_new/documents/childrensforumreport-en.pdf "We are not the sources of problems; we are the resources that are needed to solve them. We are not expenses; we are investments. We are not just young people; we are people and citizens of this world.” From ‘A World Fit for Us’ Message from the Children’s Forum. Publish,” (Lansdown, 2001). Source: https://www.unicef.org/specialsession/docs_new/documents/childrensforumreport-en.pdf Select an XP asset to add to your character toolbox: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] [[On the train tracks]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

XP Score! (text-style:"bold")[For countries who have adopted the CRC, studies find that the following concerns had outcomes which actually support ratification:] “It will lead to lack of respect for parents: Listening to children is about respecting them and helping them learn to value the importance of respecting others. It is not about teaching them to ignore their parents. Indeed, Article 29 of the Convention clearly states that one of the aims of education is to teach children respect for their parents. Listening is a way of resolving conflict, finding solutions and promoting understanding – these can only be beneficial for family life. Listening to children is a positive symbol of love and respect,“ (Lansdown, 2001, p.8). “Children must learn to take responsibility before they can be granted rights But one of the more effective ways of encouraging children to accept responsibility is to first respect their rights. If children are given the chance to share their ideas in a group and to have them taken seriously, then they will learn that others too, have a right to be heard that must also be respected,“ (Lansdown, 2001, p.8). Europe has a game to learn about their rights. “Children lack the competence or experience to participate But children, like adults, have different levels of competence in different parts of their lives. Even small children can tell you what they like or dislike about school and why, can have ideas to make lessons more interesting, can offer help to other children. Provided they are given appropriate support, adequate information and allowed to express themselves in ways that are meaningful to them – pictures, poems, drama, photographs, as well as conventional discussions, interviews and group work – all children can participate in issues that are important to them," (Lansdown, 2001, p.8). Source: https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/insight6.pdf Select an XP asset to add to your character toolbox: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] [[Jim and Alex are hiding from the police now. Come quick!]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

XP Score! (text-style:"bold")[Romania has adopted the CRC!] Source: https://www.unicef.org/specialsession/docs_new/documents/childrensforumreport-en.pdf: “I'm especially interested in the issue of children's participation, because I've been at times (mostly in school) denied this natural right, and I've also observed that the decisions that are taken on behalf of children,and not with children, are mostly not viable. Promoting children's participation isn't an easy task: In Romania, we have a National Camp. I've been part of the camp's council, which was made up of children. The council took every major decision concerning the camp. Also, during each day, we had workshops coordinated by children. Together with two other colleagues, we coordinated the camp's magazine, which contained the children's views. People's old mentalities and the lack of communication are the toughest obstacles to break. My best success is my participation in the Special Session on Children, which says a lot. I really love to interact with other people, I love having fun, and I'm really anxious for the follow-up of the Special Session!” "If you want to set up schools, make sure you have a teacher, a library. The promises of the past have left us disenchanted. The result is not what you said, which is why we are worried. Listen to the children not with your ears, but with your hearts." —Gael Mbemba, 18, Chad P” “Participation The Convention on the Rights of the Child has a number of rights relating to children’s participation in matters that affect their lives (articles 12 and 13). Because all too often parents and societies do not see the value of young people’s involvement, children are not heard. Their opinions not taken into account. What LEADERS can do: • Enact policies to ensure children’s participation is real and meaningful. • Create and support children’s councils and parliaments. • Incorporate children’s participation in national plans of action and pass laws that make participation rights a reality. • Incorporate children’s rights in school curricula. • The United Nations should set up an organization or committee made up of children to discuss and influence the issues that affect them. What CHILDREN can do: • Educate peers, family, teachers and decision makers about children’s participation. • Be active in community and national governments so children’s voices are heard. • Build child-led organizations. • Establish national and global networks to share experiences and ideas about how to get involved in communities and governments,” (Lansdown, 2001). Select an XP asset to add to your character toolbox: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] [[Sleeping in car at rest-stop]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

XP Score! (text-style:"bold")[Austria has adopted the CRC!] “Children are interested in being involved A survey carried out in Austria in 1997 of 800 13- 17 year olds, asked them whether they wanted political information and participation. 93 per cent wanted to be informed when new projects were planned in their municipality and 65 per cent wanted youth consulting hours with politicians.10 The findings reveal a significant desire for greater involvement. The widespread view of many young people is encapsulated by the observation of one contributor to a consultation with young people undertaken by Euronet, a European children’s rights organization, to explore their views on discrimination against children: “There are a lot of people out there who want to have a say but either they don’t know enough about how to go about it or they do have a say but are ignored so they won’t speak out again,” (Lansdown, 2001). Select an XP asset to add to your character toolbox: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] , [[We are playing Russian roulette automobile style in Pennsylvania now|They're playing russian roeullet automobile style in Pennsylvania now]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]

XP Score! (text-style:"bold")[Canada has adopted the CRC!] (link: "Canada is educating it's children!")[(open-url: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbvIpIeO4fU")] Select an XP asset to add to your character toolbox: [[Courage]] [[Strength]] [[Knowledge]] [[At the cult in Alabama]] [[Escape through the tunnel to Take Action|Educate about the CRC treaty]] [ESCAPE TUNNEL IMAGE TO BE INSERTED HERE AS AN ICON TO BE FOUND ON EVERY "right answer" PAGE] [[GPS|StoryMenu]]