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05 family life and being cared for
- You should know who your parents are and be cared for by them if possible.
- You should never be hurt, abused or neglected by someone who looks after you.
- You should be brought up by your parents if possible. They should do what's best for you. They should listen to your opinions; and you should listen to them.
- If your parents don't live together you have the right to stay in touch with them both, unless this might harm you.
- If you and your parents are living in different countries you have the right to get back together and live in the same place.
- If you cannot be looked after by your family, your carers must respect you religion, culture or language.
- If you have to live away from your parents, your situation must be looked at regularly and you should have your say about where you live.
The Government knows that some children and families need extra help, especially when it comes to protecting children from being harmed. The Government said that adults need to be better at keeping promises to children by getting better at protecting children from being hurt, abused or neglected; this is called child protection.
Children were involved in writing ' Protecting Children and Young People: The Charter' which explains what children want from helping agencies. If you Google the full name you will get the link to the charter.
Schools should be places where adults make sure children are protected from harm. The Government gave every school advice about how to do this.
About 440 children and young people are adopted in Scotland every year. The Government said that when a child is adopted the most important thing is to know what is best for the child, and that adoption should be done quicker.
Young carers are children and young people who help to care for someone in their family who may have an illness or disability. The Government thinks that there are at least 4,000 children aged 12 or under who are young carers. The Government has helped to set up Young Carers Projects to give help, support and advice.
When adults hurt or abuse another adult in the family it is called domestic abuse. It can happen in any kind of family and affects up to 100,000 children in Scotland every year. You are never to blame for an adult in your family hurting someone. It is never okay to hurt or abuse someone.
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