The Children Act
The Children Act is a set of legal rules to ensure all children
are brought up in the best way possible. It states young people are
important and their views should be listened to.
The Children Act also states that children and young people
should be brought up in families whenever possible. Help should be
provided by specialist services if necessary. If this does not work
then specialist services will look after you but they may have to
go to court to get an order to help them do this. They must usually
continue to work together with both you and your parents. There is
a lot of information available about the children’s act and if you
want to know more, ask your carer or social worker.
The United Nations convention on the
Rights of the Child was put together in protect children’s
rights around the world. It is an international agreement and was
signed by the British government in 1991. It states all young
people up to the age of 18 years should have the right to:
- Not being discriminated against
- Having their best interests thought about
- Having their views heard
Bullying
Bullying can be a very upsetting experience for anyone and
no-one should have to put up with it. Whether you are being
emotionally abused by being called names, picked on, receiving
nasty messages on your phone, email or over the internet or
physically abused, at home or at school, talk to your carer, social
worker or teacher. If the bullying becomes serious you can also
talk to the police.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Only the people who are involved in your care should have
information about you. If you feel that people know more about you
than they need, or that the information is being given to people
who shouldn’t have it, then speak to your social worker or the
children’s participation officer.
Having your own space is important especially when you are
growing up. Everyone needs to have somewhere to call their own-
whether it’s a room, a bed or even a chest of drawers. This gives
you the freedom to keep your things safe. You also have the right
to choose how much physical contact you have with other people. If
you are in care, it can be really hard to feel like you have any
privacy. Talk to your carer, social worker or the children’s
participation officer if you feel this is a problem.
Food
If you need any special foods or meals preparing perhaps for
religious reasons then these should be provided. Remember your
carers might not have experience of providing for someone with your
needs. You may need to help them. You should also have some say or
choice in what food is provided for you and be able to have snacks
and drinks when you need them. At school you should have the choice
of a hot school meal or taking sandwiches.
Health check
When you first become looked after you will be asked to have a
health check up to make sure that you are fit and healthy and
keeping up to date with all your health needs. After that a health
check will then be arranged on a yearly basis. You will get a
chance to talk to a doctor or a nurse about your health needs or
concern. You will not be asked to undress and will not be given any
injections. You can ask your carer to go with you if you
choose.
Your health check is about giving you enough information about
your health to help make decisions for yourself, e.g. you may have
asthma or certain allergies, you may have missed some
immunisations, or need to see a dentist or an optician to have your
eyes tested. It also gives you the opportunity to talk to someone
about your personal health needs, e.g. growing up, bullying,
contraception, drugs, acne, feeling down etc. You will also be
registered with a local doctor, who will look after your everyday
medical needs like any other person.
Saving
It is a good idea to try and save some of your pocket money and
clothing allowance so you can buy big things that otherwise you
might have to go without. It is also important to try and save any
money you can for the future. Lots of building societies or banks
do special deals which encourage young people to save. Ask your
carers to help you find out about these.
Religion
You have the right to practice a religion of your choice while
you are looked after by specialist services. If you are not sure
how or where to practice your religious beliefs ask your carers or
social worker for help.
Racism
Racism exists in all races and cultures. Racism is when people
are treated differently or unfairly simply because of the colour of
their skin, or their beliefs or actions. Racism might be someone
saying hurtful things, making fun of you or not giving you the same
opportunities as others. It can also lead to physical attacks or
assaults.
Racism is not acceptable. If it happens to you and you can deal
with the situation safely on your own then you should do so. If it
gets too much or you are worried or frightened then speak to your
social worker, your carer or the children’s participation officer
who will sort it out with you.