Your Rights
It's important for you to know that you have a right to feel safe and to have someone look after you. And you have a right to speak up if you think something is wrong.
Rights and Responsibilities are like rules that make it easier for us to live together. They help people to know what to expect and how to act.
This page will tell you more about your rights. It will also tell you about the rules you have to follow while you are in care. If you don't understand something, ask your child protection worker. The people at Children's Aid Society want to help you.
What are my Rights?
You are special and unique - you have the right to be respected for who you are.
• This includes the things that may be important to you, such as your culture, language, religion and family background.
You are valued and have the right to be safe.
• No one has the right to make fun of you or hurt you in any way. No matter what - no one has the right to hit you.
• You have the right to privacy.
• You may visit your family without anyone else around - unless a judge or your worker decides it's not a good idea.
• You have a right to send and get letters that only you read. Sometimes your worker may check your mail with you there, if she or he thinks there is something in it that might hurt you.
• You have a right to make and receive personal phone calls.
• You have a right to have time by yourself and to keep your own things.
You have a right to:
• Be given food that is good for your body
• Go to school
• Visit the doctor and dentist to keep you healthy
• Have clothing that fits well and keeps you warm
• Play sports and recreational activities that you enjoy
• Practice your religion
• Participate in cultural activities that are important to you
You have a right to be heard, especially when people are making decisions about your life. You have a right to participate in the development of your plan while in care.
What are my Responsibilities?
You have a responsibility to:
• Talk with your foster parents
• Make sure your foster parents know where you are when you're not at home
• Respect that every person is different
• Respect other people and items they own
• Go to school and do your homework
• Be helpful to others in the home
• Meet with your worker
What do I do if I think my rights are being violated?
You have a right to tell somebody if you have a concern.