Your rights should make a real difference in your life. They should help make sure you are safe and happy.
People who work in the Commissioner’s office have heard many stories about children and young people who have not had their rights respected, and how things have been difficult when this has happened. We have listed some examples below.
Rights in reality
Leaving care
The law says local authorities have a duty to try and get young people to decide to stay in care until 18.
Workers and young people told Tam that this doesn't happen in many areas of Scotland.
Many people want to help young people stay in care until they are ready to leave, and know it can be difficult if they leave at 16.
The Commissioner’s office spoke to young people who were leaving care at 16 about their experiences. Download a PDF of their stories.
Resources
Download a PDF of the Commissioner’s leaflet on rights when leaving care.
Visit Who Cares? Scotland for advice and information.
Bullying
Every child and young person in Scotland has the right to feel healthy, happy and safe whilst they are growing up. Sadly, bullying can sometimes make this difficult.
The Commissioner is campaigning to stamp out bullying across the country.
Resources
Visit Scotland's Anti-bullying service, Respectme.
Moving and Handling
The Commissioner has heard from a number of children and young people with disabilities about the negative impact moving and handling can have on their lives.
The children and young people described feeling embarrassed, humiliated, undignified and excluded because of moving and handling difficulties. They said they can't take part fully in school and are unable to enjoy after school or other leisure activities. Download a PDF of their stories to find out more.
Children of prisoners
Children have a right to live with their family when it’s best for them, whenever it’s possible for that to happen.
When a parent breaks the law and they are sent to prison, this can stop being possible. There are other punishments like community service or probation, yet children's rights are rarely taken into account.
Resources
Download a PDF with more information about the rights of children and young people with a parent in prison.
Visit Families Outside for further advice and information online.
Talk to us
You can We will give you advice about what you can do.
We also want to hear about good things that happen to you, when you feel both you and your rights have been respected.