Using data gathered through the work of our advocates and our Annual Participation Programme, we have started capturing a list of frequently asked questions around care experience and rights related themes.
We hope you find these helpful. If you have a question that is not covered below, please speak to your WC?S advocate about it. If you don’t have an advocate, you can find out about our referral process by clicking the Get Advocacy link below. If we are not able to provide you with an advocate, you can contact our Helpline for support and signposting.
Rights FAQs
How can I get contact with my brother or sister?
Families are important, especially relationships with your brothers and sisters— your siblings. We know these relationships are important for mental health and a sense of identity, so you should be able to contact your brother or sister unless for some reason it’s not in your best interests.
Where can I find information about housing?
Shelter Scotland provide housing advice and information, including advice specifically for young people.
Where can I find out about mental health services for children and young people?
The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland gives advice about rights in relation to mental health care and treatment.
NHS Choices – Young People and Mental Health offers advice and information about a variety of mental health problems, as well as links to useful resources.
Breathing Space is a helpline staffed by trained advisors. They will listen and provide support and advice (tel. 0800 83 85 87).
Young Scot has advice if you don’t feel your right to good physical and mental health is being met.
Rights FAQs
How can I get contact with my brother or sister?
Families are important, especially relationships with your brothers and sisters— your siblings. We know these relationships are important for mental health and a sense of identity, so you should be able to contact your brother or sister unless for some reason it’s not in your best interests.
Where can I find information about housing?
Shelter Scotland provide housing advice and information, including advice specifically for young people.
Where can I find out about mental health services for children and young people?
The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland gives advice about rights in relation to mental health care and treatment.
NHS Choices – Young People and Mental Health offers advice and information about a variety of mental health problems, as well as links to useful resources.
Breathing Space is a helpline staffed by trained advisors. They will listen and provide support and advice (tel. 0800 83 85 87).
Young Scot has advice if you don’t feel your right to good physical and mental health is being met.
Rights resources
My Corporate Parent – Video
This video was made in participation with a group of Care Experienced people in the Highland Council area. They shared with Who Cares? Scotland what they need to feel supported by Corporate Parents.
Know Your Rights Pack (for Young People)
A pack for Care Experienced young people. Know your rights when it comes to Continuing Care, Brothers and Sisters, Housing and other important topics.
Know Your Rights Pack (for Children)
A pack for Care Experienced children. Know your rights when it comes to Brothers and Sisters and other important topics.
A Human Rights Bill for Scotland – Response to the Scottish Government’s Public Consultation
Who Cares? Scotland is calling for the Scottish Human Rights Bill to include an equality provision which names and explicitly protects Care Experienced people, and a Human Rights Scheme which states that there should be independent advocacy for people whose rights are most at risk, specifying Care Experienced people.
Corporate Parenting Newsletter and Promising Practice – December 2022
Catch up with all the latest news from the Training & Education team this December.
Corporate Parenting Newsletter and Promising Practice – October 2023
Catch up with all the latest news from the Training & Education team this October.
Realising the UNCRC as Corporate Parents: Post Training Resource Pack
Created for Corporate Parents who have completed our UNCRC training.
Corporate Parenting Newsletter and Promising Practice May – 2022
Catch up with all the latest news from the Training & Education team this May.
UNCRC and Corporate Parenting
A useful resource to explain what the UNCRC could mean for Corporate Parents.
Submission to the United Nations 2021 Day of General Discussion on Children’s Rights and Alternative Care
Our submission to the 2021 United Nations Day of General Discussion, highlighting key areas of policy and practice we are committed to improving in light of The Promise’s ‘Plan 21 – 24’.
UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill, Stage 2 Briefing for MSPs – February 2021
A briefing for MSPs as the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill reached Stage 2 of discussions. Focuses on amendments where Who Cares? Scotland can provide specific evidence.
Those Around Me – Sam’s Story
Meet Sam. This video shows what it can feel like going into care. It is a composite story of experiences shared with us by the people we support.
Want to check out the full Resource Library?
Here you’ll find our full range of resources which can be filtered by type and theme depending on what you are looking for.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is an international agreement setting out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every single child.
This means Scotland and the UK agree that the rights of children should be protected and promoted in all areas of your life, including your rights to:
- education,
- freedom from violence, abuse and neglect,
- be listened to and taken seriously,
- a proper house, food and clothing, and
- relax and play.
Article 20 of the UNCRC states that children and young people have the right to special protection and help if they can’t live with their family. In many cases, this will involve going into care.
Meaning you have the right to go into care, and to have your rights respected when you are there. As well as:
- Independent checks whilst you’re in care to ensure your rights are respected, especially if you are disabled or a refugee.
- Your opinions should be listened to and taken seriously when you’re in care.
- Freedom to do things you want to do and be able to grow up safely and happily.
In Scotland children and young people in care have additional rights under Scots law.
Article 21 of the UNCRC says that when a child or young person is adopted or living in foster care, their best interests should come first. People should listen to what a child or young person wants and should take this into account when making decisions about where they live.
If a child or young person becomes adopted, they should be adopted by people who are able to treat them well. Adoption should be properly regulated to make sure all children and young people can live a safe and happy life.
Our friends at the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland also have a helpful website that deals with children and young people’s rights more broadly.
