The Welfare Reform Bill 2012 contains a radical package of reform. The Bill introduces to Northern Ireland a new integrated system of benefits, Universal Credit (UC), as well as a range of important changes to the welfare system. Few will disagree with the Westminster government’s stated objectives for the Bill – to simplify the benefits system and to make work pay – but it is important to ensure that in achieving this, the rights of children and young people are maintained. This Child Rights Impact Assessment examines the effect that welfare reforms introduced since 2010 has had on children’s right to a decent standard of living and the potential effects of proposed changes within the Welfare Reform Bill 2012.