Rights you should know about

You should know that when your parents separate you have special rights.

Children have the right to:

1. Love and be loved by both parents.
2. Have contact with both parents.
3. Be free of their parents' conflict.
4. Not take sides with either parent.
5. Spend time with each parent without feeling guilty.
6. Be supported financially by both parents.
7. Spend time with each parent regardless of financial support.
8. Have their own bed and space at each parents' home.
9. Take things between, and keep personal things at, both parents' houses.
10. Be safe and looked after when with each parent.
11. Not be hurt by either parent.
12. Be listened to and supported by people they trust when times are difficult.
13. Take part in discussions about things that affect them.
14. Be free from having the final say about parenting decisions.
15. Have their parents make decisions in the children's best interests.
16. Be clearly informed by both parents about the when and how they will have contact with their other parent.
17. Rely on both parents knowing about their school, interests, sport, friends and health.
18. Have carers when parents aren't around whom they feel safe with and can trust.
19. See other adults as long as this is positive for them and their parents.
20. Maintain friendships and have contact with their uncles, aunties, grandparents, friends, brothers, sisters and step-brother/sisters, as long as it is safe.