For young people

If you are a child or young person in care or detention it is important to know you have rights

You have the right to:

  • feel good about yourself and be treated like any other child who does not live in care
  • feel safe, respected and cared for, wherever you live
  • get help when you want or need it
  • have a say in decisions that affect you
  • make a complaint if you feel your rights are not being respected
 

Read your full list of rights:

 

It is important you know about your rights so you can advocate for yourself while you are in care or detention. Remember – if you don’t feel like you are being listened to, there is always someone to talk to.

What to do if you need help

  • If you have a complaint or concern about your care or if something is worrying you, the first person to talk to is your case worker or carer
  • If your concern is about your case worker or you feel your case worker is not listening, you can speak to your case worker’s supervisor
  • If you still feel that you are not being listened to then contact us to see if we can help 
  • You can also contact the DCP complaints unit on 1800 003 305 (freecall) or speak to staff at the Kurlana Tapa Youth Justice Centre on 8169 1444

Connect with other young people in care

There are places you can go for support and meet with other young people who have a care experience:

Resources for young people

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We acknowledge and respect Aboriginal People as the traditional owners
and custodians of the land we live and work on, their living culture and their unique role in the life of South Australia.