Volunteer Program - Children's Constitutional Rights

• Know their rights and responsibilities and be informed of these in the language they understand;
• Have parent, guardian, custodian or next of kin informed of the place where the child is being detained;
• A plan and programme of care and development, including a plan for reunification, security and life-long relationships;
• Be informed of a plan and programme of care and development;
• Participate in and change a plan and programme of care and development;
• A plan and programme of care and development based on developmental needs and strengths and if possible, in the context of family and community environment;
• A regular review of the placement as well as of any care and development plan and programme;
• Be fed, clothed and nurtured according to community standards;
• Be consulted regarding decisions which significantly affect them and to be allowed to express their views;
• Reasonable privacy and possession of the personal belongings;
• Be informed of the behaviour expected of them and as to the consequences if they do not behave in this expected manner;
• Respect for their cultural, religious and linguistic heritage and to learn about their heritage;
• Regular contact with parents, family and friends unless court order or care and development programme directs otherwise or if the child chooses otherwise;
• The involvement of family in the care and development programme if it is in their best interests;
• Return to live in their community as soon as possible;
• Be detained in a place of safety for the shortest possible time;
• Be free form physical punishment;
• Positive disciplinary measures;
• Be protected from all forms of emotional, physical, sexual and verbal abuse;
• Education appropriate to their age, aptitude and ability;
• Privacy with regards to their mail, unless it is in the child’s best interest that the mail should be read.  In these circumstances, the child has a right to be present when the mail is read;
• Be protected form exploitation and neglect;
• Opportunities to learn about and demonstrate respect and care;
• An interpreter if required;
• Privacy with regards to discussions with family or significant others unless it is not in the best interest of the child;
• Be visited by parents, guardian, custodian, next of kin, social worker, religious counsellor, medical practitioner, psychologist, legal representative, child and youth care worker or any other person with the approval of the place of safety;
• Privacy with regards to visitation; and
• Notify any nurse, social worker, child and youth care worker, person authorised thereto by the Direct-General, commissioner, dentist, medical practitioner, teacher, or person employed by or managing the place of safety should any of these rights be violated.