This page tells you more about your rights and responsibilities as a young person.
 
To contact us : Email youth@forest-heath.gov.uk or Call  01638 719295

       Children & Young People's Rights
Safeguarding Children & Young People  
" How old do I have to be to ...?"

Do I have 'rights' as a young person?

Yes you do, and with rights come responsibility. There is an international law that comes from the United Nations that protects children and young people's rights.  It is called the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). For a copy of these rights click here rightsleaflet.pdf

The UNCRC say that adults should always ensure they do what is best for you, that you have a right to play, and a right to have an education.

There are also specific rights that say you should be allowed to be involved in decision-making:

• Article 12 - you have the right to give your opinion and to have what you say taken seriously
• Article 13 - you have the right to find out about things and say what you think, and should have the chance to have your say in any way you feel most comfortable, for example through music, writing or speaking.

What does this mean for me?

This means that children and young people and what they think are just as important as adults and what they think.  It also means that no decisions are too small or too big for you to be involved in.   If you have an opinion about what is happening in your life or around you in your community, you have the right to express that opinion.
For example, you might have views on: how a play area should look; making roads safer or opening hours of local youth clubs.

Information about how Forest Heath involves young people is detailed  'Consulting Young People'in the Young People Pages .

Interested in find out more about your rights?  Click on this link  Unicef Young Voice

Safeguarding Children & Young People

We are committed to developing work standards to ensure that any child or young person who comes into contact with an employee, or any aspect of our services or activities are; listened to  have their views taken intoa account ; and feels safe and protected whilst doing so.  Whilst acknowledging children's rights, we understand that we have a duty of care and that in any situation it is the welfare of the child or young person which must be paramount.  

For a copy of our Safeguarding Policy click here.    

How old do I have to be to...? 

If you would like to know at what age ( in England and Wales) a child or young person is allowed by law to undertake, or be held responsible for, a particular activity then click here  Connexions Direct .