Rights of Children and Young People in the Department of Health

What are your rights? 

Rights are things that every person needs to survive, to be treated fairly and to reach their full potential.       

The main international agreement on children’s rights is the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

The Department of Health has a duty to make sure that all children that access our services enjoy the rights set out in the agreement.

The Australian Human Rights Commission states that children have the right to:

• Be treated fairly no matter what
• Have a say about decisions affecting them
• Live and grow up healthy
• Have people do what is best for them
• Know who they are and where they come from
• Believe what they want
• Privacy
• Find out information and express themselves
• Be safe no matter where they are
• Be cared for and have a home
• Education, play and cultural activities
• Help and protection if they need it

UNHCR child friendly Convention on the Rights of the Child

If you are not happy with how you are being treated, or you feel your rights are not being respected please speak to a trusted adult about your worries. 

Reporting concerns of inappropriate behaviour

Use this form to report concerns of inappropriate behaviour by a staff member, volunteer, visitor, patient or other person within Tasmania’s health care services or premises.

Other Supports

There are other organisations that can offer you support if you are unhappy:

• Kids helpline – Call 1800 55 1800 is a free, confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
• Commissioner for Children and Young People - Call (03) 6166 1366 or email [email protected]