Progressive autonomy is a characteristic of personal autonomy, which refers to the ability to act based on one’s initiative, independently and responsibly. Children and adolescents gradually acquire this quality according to their age and maturity. This is what progressive autonomy refers to.
In this sense, their rights must be recognized, respected, and guaranteed, regardless of their age. Articles 5 and 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child specify that States must ensure that people in charge of the child or adolescent provide them with the appropriate direction and guidance for their decision-making and the exercise of their rights. States must also guarantee their right to freely express their opinions and to be heard in all matters affecting them. They must also adapt laws, policies, and procedures based on their age.
In this sense, their rights must be recognized, respected, and guaranteed, regardless of their age. Articles 5 and 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child specify that States must ensure that people in charge of the child or adolescent provide them with the appropriate direction and guidance for their decision-making and the exercise of their rights. States must also guarantee their right to freely express their opinions and to be heard in all matters affecting them. They must also adapt laws, policies, and procedures based on their age.