SCHEDULE 1 – Charter of rights for a child in care
Because—
The
Parliament recognises the State has responsibilities for a child in need of
protection who is in the custody or under the guardianship of the chief
executive under this Act,
this Act establishes the following rights for the
child—
(a) to be provided with a safe and stable living environment;
(b) to
be treated fairly and with respect;
(c) to be placed in care that best meets
the child’s needs and is most culturally appropriate;
(d) to maintain
relationships with the child’s family and community;
(e) to develop,
maintain and enjoy a connection to the child’s culture of origin;
(f) for
an Aboriginal child—to develop, maintain and enjoy a connection to
Aboriginal tradition;
(g) for a Torres Strait Islander child—to develop,
maintain and enjoy a connection to Island custom;
(h) to develop, maintain
and enjoy the child’s identity, including, for example, the child’s sexual
orientation or gender identity;
(i) to choose and practise 1 or more
languages;
(j) to choose and practise 1 or more religions;
(k) to be
consulted about, and to take part in making, decisions affecting the child’s
life (having regard to the child’s age or ability to understand),
particularly decisions about where the child is living, contact with the
child’s family and the child’s health and schooling;
(l) to be given
information about decisions and plans concerning the child’s future and
personal history, having regard to the child’s age or ability to understand;
(m) to keep, and have a safe space to store, personal belongings;
(n) to
engage in play, and other recreational activities, appropriate for the child;
(o) to privacy, including, for example, in relation to the child’s personal
information;
(p) if the child is under the long-term guardianship of the
chief executive, to regular review of the child’s care arrangements;
(q) to
make a complaint to the chief executive if the child considers that the
charter of rights is not being complied with in relation to the child;
(r) to
have access to dental, medical and therapeutic services, necessary to meet the
child’s needs;
(s) to have access to education appropriate to the child’s
age and development;
(t) to have access to job training opportunities and
help in finding appropriate employment;
(u) to receive appropriate help with
the transition from being a child in care to independence, including, for
example, help about housing, access to income support and training and
education.
