Children living in care have the same human rights as any other child, and additional legal protections to safeguard their wellbeing, dignity, and voice. In the UK, these rights are not optional. They are a legal and moral duty upheld by every registered children’s home.
At Welcare, we believe in empowering children, not just protecting them. That means making sure every child knows their rights, understands how to exercise them, and is listened to when they do.
What Are a Child’s Rights in Care?
Under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and UK legislation, children’s rights in care homes include:
The right to education
healthcare, and leisure
The right to be safe
from harm, abuse, and neglect
The right to complain
and involved in decisions about their life
The right to be listened to
and involved in decisions about their life
The right to privacy
including personal space, confidential conversations, and protected information
The right to family contact
and involved in decisions about their life
The right to be religious
Pratice their religion and express their identity
These rights are built into daily life at Welcare and monitored by both internal staff and external regulators.
Right to Participate in Decisions
Children in care have a legal right to take part in decisions about their:
- Placement
- Care plan
- Daily routine
- Contact with family
- Education and health needs
We ensure that children are included in meetings, supported to express themselves (verbally or non-verbally), and given clear explanations about decisions that affect them.
Right to Complain
Children must always feel safe to speak up. At Welcare, we provide:
- Easy-to-understand complaint forms
- Access to independent advocates
- Regular opportunities to share feedback anonymously
- A culture where children know they won’t be punished for raising concerns
Every complaint is logged, investigated, and used as a learning tool to improve practice.
Right to Privacy
Every child in a Welcare home has:
- Their own bedroom or private space
- Access to private communication (within safeguarding guidelines)
- Confidential key work sessions
- Respect for personal boundaries and belongings
Staff are trained to balance privacy with protection, especially when managing safeguarding concerns.