Your Rights

You have the right to:

A stable placement | be happy | be listened to | have input on decisions made about you | be cared for with my siblings where possible | see my social worker regularly | be respected | an education | regular health check-ups | treat my space like a home | feel safe | have a voice | be treated fairly | have an opinion

Human Rights:

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world. They apply regardless of where you are from, what you believe or how you choose to live your life. They can never be taken away, although they can sometimes be restricted – for example if a person breaks the law. These values are defined and protected by law. In Britain our human rights are protected by the Human Rights Act 1998.

Lawful terms around Care Leavers:

The law splits care leavers into four different groups, see below:

1. If you’re aged 16 or 17 and still in care = you’re an eligible child
2. If you’re aged 16 or 17 and left care = you’re a relevant child
3. If you’re aged 18 to 25 years and left care =you’re a former relevant child
4. If you’re aged 16 to 21 years = you’re a qualifying care leaver

Laws that protect Children’s Rights

There are laws in place that protect your human rights and your rights as a child, these include;

Equality Act 2010 | The UN Convention of the Rights of Person with Disabilities | UN Convention on the Rights of the Child |

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

The UN Convention of the Rights of the Child is an international agreement between countries and is designed to make sure that children all across the word have their needs met. See below for the most essential to you, otherwise known as General Principles:

• Non-discrimination (article 2) – You have the right to be treated in a non-discriminate way and have your disability, sex, race, age, sexual orientation and gender be respected.
• Best interest of the child (article 3) – The decisions made for you should always be in your best interest.
• Right to life survival and development (article 6) – You have the right to grow and develop in life.
• Right to be heard (article 12) – You have the right to have your wishes and opinions be considered.

Accessing an Independent Advocate

An Advocate is an independent person who is there to represent you and give you advice about your rights, they can speak on your behalf at your CLA reviews or help you with a complaint. If you would like an advocate please speak to your social worker so that this can be arranged for you.