Basic Rights

Your Rights in Care: What You Need to Know

Last Reviewed:

June, 2025

Reviewed By:

JES Legal Specialist

Legal Rights For Youth - Your Rights in Care
BIG IDEA
You won’t get in trouble for speaking up about your concerns or asking questions—it’s your right.

You have rights!

  1. Be Safe - You have the right to be protected from abuse, neglect, and discrimination.
  2. Be Healthy - You deserve proper medical care, food, clothing, and shelter.
  3. Be Yourself - You have the right to practice your culture, participate in activities, and get an education.
  4. Be Heard - Your opinions matter. You should be involved in decisions about your life.

 

 

While in Care, You Have the Right To:

  • Have your rights explained to you.
  • Be properly fed, clothed, and cared for.
  • Be protected from all kinds of abuse and neglect.
  • Be involved in your Plan of Care.
  • Have your views heard and considered.
  • Participate in social and recreational activities.
  • Practice your religion.
  • Be informed about and contact the Representative for Children and Youth and the Ombudsperson.
  • Know the rules and what happens if they aren’t followed.
  • Receive medical and dental care.
  • Have an interpreter if you need one.
  • Explore your cultural heritage.
  • Have private discussions with a lawyer or a representative.
  • Have reasonable privacy and personal belongings.
  • Have private discussions with your family, unless restricted by a court order.

What To Do If Your Rights Aren't Respected

  1. Talk to Your Worker - This is often the quickest way to solve a problem.
  2. Contact MCFD Client Relations - Toll-Free: 1 877 387-7027 for help finding the right person to talk to.
  3. Reach Out to Advocates - People like the Representative for Children and Youth, Ombudsperson, Child and Youth Legal Centre or the Public Guardian and Trustee can help.

Get help

● Representative for Children and Youth

● Ombudsperson

● Public Guardian and Trustee

  • Phone: 604 775-3480
  • Email: cys@trustee.bc.ca
  • Website: trustee.bc.ca

● Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks

● Child and Youth Legal Centre

● BC’s Helpline for Children

  • ○Call 310-1234 (no area code needed), 24/7.

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