My rights

Charter of Rights for a child in the child protection system

The Charter of Rights is found in the Child Protection Act 1999.

You have the right to know about your rights! In Queensland the law says that if you are in the child protection system you have certain rights, for example the right to have a say about your life or the right to receive a good education. Adults should also know about your rights, and help you to learn about them. For example, you have a right to:

  1. be treated fairly no matter what
  2. have a say about decisions affecting you
  3. live and grow up healthily
  4. have people do what is best for you
  5. know who you are and where you come from
  6. believe what you want
  7. privacy
  8. find out information and express yourself
  9. be safe no matter where you are
  10. be cared for and have a home
  11. education, play and cultural activities
  12. help and protection if you need it.

Legal Aid Queensland have a great poster that contains all the rights you are entitled to under the Qld Child Protection Act.

Charter of rights books

These books are provided by the Department of Child Safety to all young people entering care in Queensland to explain their rights while they are living in care.

 

Kid's rights (PDF, 2.4 MB)

Aimed at 4 to 8 year olds

This is in the form of a children's story book and includes illustrations that can be coloured in.

 

My journey in care (PDF, 1.8 MB)

Aimed at 9 to 15 year olds

This has been developed to look like a notebook and includes advice from other young people in care.