Children's Rights
We want to see a world where all children can flourish and reach their dreams, but we know that some children have been let down by the adults and systems around them. Unfortunately, this can be especially true for children who are care experienced, which is why children’s rights are so important.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
Children’s rights are all the things that children need in order to grow up healthy, happy and safe. These rights are written down in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The UNCRC is broken down into articles that outline what adults should be providing for children so they can grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding.
The UNCRC include rights like the right to an education, the right to medical care, the right to a name and identity, the right to be protected from all kinds of harm, and the right to play.
Find out in more detail about why these rights are so important and how Scottish Adoption and Fostering is committed to ensuring that children’s rights are respected, protected and fulfilled in all our work with care experienced children and their families.
More information about children’s rights
If you want to learn more about children’s rights, here are some resources:
- Let's Explore Our Rights A picture book for young children (under 8s) developed by CYPCS
- Children's Rights Leaflet Information for children (ages 8 – 18) developed by Children First
- Children's Rights Booklet Information for parents and carers developed by Children First
- Simplified Articles More information about each article related to life in Scotland
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
What to do children’s rights are being disrespected
If you feel like your child’s rights aren’t being respected, protected and fulfilled, then you can get advice and support.
Along with Scottish Adoption and Fostering, there are other services that can help with any issues or raise complaints.
Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland
Advocacy
Legal Representation