2 | Why use a Child Rights Impact Assessment? For CRIAs to be effective, there needs to be a clear mandate for their use with sustained political commitment; children’s rights training for assessors who also have access to expert advice; tools to guide and shape the process; access to relevant data sets; and a clear expectation of involving children.13 The base level of what might be achieved by applying a CRIA is increased awareness of how policy and legislation impacts children. Literature on CRIAs refers to ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ impact. Direct impact refers to a proposed law, policy or administrative decisions which specifically targets children. Indirect impact refers to proposed law, policy, or administrative decisions which, while not targeting children, will affect them. 12 | Both types of impacts can require a CRIA. The application of CRIA to measure indirect impact is significant because the impact on children may ordinarily be overlooked. A CRIA applied to indirect impacts may prompt an unforeseen consideration of children’s interests.14 CRIAs measure ‘anticipated impact’. A CRIA sets out key questions to enable policy-makers to consider how policy/legislation may impact on children’s rights, and reflect on how the policy/ legislation can be improved. Its utility depends on the policy and decision-makers who answer the questions having a nuanced understanding of child rights and a knowledge of the relevant policy area and domestic laws.