Children’s rights
A child’s right to participate in decision making about their own life is identified in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Child protection legislation in Australia must be consistent with the UN Convention on the Rights of the child. Therefore child protection legislation in Australia often contains a Charter of Rights for children.
We make sure we uphold these rights and that children are advised of their rights.
Children’s participation is a right, not an option. All states in Australia have developed standards of care for children in care based on the National Standards for Out of Home Care.
You can read more about children's rights and legislation here
We will provide you with information about standards of care in your state or territory and the Charter of Rights for children in care.
Children’s rights
The right to respect
- To understand why they are in care
- Be treated with respect
- Have their needs supported by people with specialist training
- Be informed and supported during critical transition periods in their lives
- Receive regular support and contact from their worker
- Be treated like other children who don’t live in care
The right to have a say
- Express their opinion about things that affect them
- Be involved in what is decided about their life and care
- Have someone to talk to
- Know who to go to if they have a problem or want to complain about something
The right to family and culture
- If they are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, know about their cultural and spiritual identity and their community
- A right to maintain family connection and involvement
- Understand who they are and their history
- Have the right to talk to an Aboriginal person, if they are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- Have their cultural and religious needs respected
- Keep in contact with the people who help them feel good about themselves
The right to have their everyday needs met
- Be supported to develop their talents and interests
- Nutritious and adequate food
- A clean, safe and hygienic home environment, with a space for their belongings
- Their own bed and personal or private space
- Adequate and appropriate clothing