United Nations Convention on the rights of the child

Children have the right to personal independence, personal choice and personal responsibility for their own actions according to their physical and mental abilities.

Children have the right to have their personal dignity respected by others in every way possible, and to be treated, whatever their disabilities and problems as individuals in their own right.

Children have the right to care for themselves as far as they are physically and mentally able and willing to do so.

Children have the right to personal privacy, for themselves their belongings and their affairs, this includes the right of confidentiality of their case, background and files.

Children have the right to take full part in decisions about daily living arrangements, to be consulted and listened to about any changes, which may be proposed and to have a genuine say in company policies and procedures if appropriate to age and ability and without burden of adult responsibilities.

Children have the right to the same access to facilities and services in the local community as any other citizen, including registration with the GP and dentist of their choice, where and when possible.

Children have the right to expect management, staff and other members of local authorities to accept the degree of risk that is involved in these principles, and not to have their personal independence unnecessarily or unreasonably restricted for fear of such risk.

The information on this page has been adapted from The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Summary of articles HERE

You have the same rights and freedoms as any other child of your own age:

• Who ever you are with;
• Wherever you are;
• Whatever you are doing;

You have the fundamental right to:

• be valued as an individual
• be treated with dignity and respect
• be cared for as a child first
• be safe
• interact using your established method of communication
• be offered the opportunity of independence and choice
• be offered education, care and therapy appropriate to your need
• develop responsibility for your own actions
• be offered privacy for yourself and your belongings
• be treated according to your spiritual, social and cultural needs
• be able to maintain and develop friendships and interests
• be told what is happening to you before it happens
• be given opportunities to be consulted regarding your activity and care treatment
• be allocated a named person or team to care for you
• be given the opportunity of access to your individual education/care plan
• be told about changes that directly affect you
• be given the opportunity to complain about anything that concerns you
• be given the opportunity to play
• be visited by any member of your family at any time, unless special limits have been agreed

Some children may be unable to exercise their rights in full because of their condition. If so, responsible adults should work with you and your family to make sure that you are able to enjoy as much freedom as possible.