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Children's Rights

Overview

We all have rights. Children’s rights help make sure you are safe, healthy, respected and able to have your say in decisions that affect your life. 

These rights are set out in the United Nations Convention on The Rights of The Child (UNCRC). 

In Scotland, children’s rights are part of the law through the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024. This means public services, including Clackmannanshire Council, must: 

  • Respect and protect your rights 
  • Help you take part in decisions about your life 
  • Make sure your wellbeing is supported 

Eligibility

Children’s rights apply to: 

  • All children and young people under 18 
  • Young people up to age 21 if you have been ‘looked after’ or in care

Signposting

For further information and support, please access the community directory.

You can also find additional support through the following:

Service specifics

We work in line with Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) to ensure children are: 

  • Safe, healthy, achieving, nurtured, active, respected, responsible and included 

What this means for you 

You have the right to: 

  • Be heard and listened to in decisions that affect you (Article 12)
  • Be treated fairly and with respect (Article 2)
  • Be safe from harm, abuse and neglect (Article 19)
  • Get the help and support you need to be healthy and develop (Article 24)
  • Be involved in planning your care and support (Article 3)

Process

Getting help with your rights 

If you are worried about your rights or feel you are not being listened to, you can: 

  • Talk to someone you trust 
    (parent/carer, teacher, social worker, youth worker or another safe adult) 
  • Speak to the service involved 
    Ask how your views are being taken into account and how your rights are being respected 
  • Request advocacy support 
    An advocacy worker can help you understand your rights, express your views and make sure your voice is heard 
  • Use the Council’s complaints process 
    Clackmannanshire Council has a child friendly complaints procedure which supports your rights under the UNCRC. 
    • You have the right to raise a concern or complaint about any service you receive 
    • You will be listened to and taken seriously 
    • You can get help from a trusted adult or advocate to make a complaint 
    • Information will be explained clearly so you understand what is happening 
  • Contact the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland (CYPCS) 
    If your concern is not resolved, they can provide advice and support 
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