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:
- CREATE Foundation
- Elm Place (post-care support)
Resources for young people
If you are about to leave care, these services can help you transition from care to independent living:
Or read our Leaving Care factsheet.
If you are in need of housing support, you can access assistance from these organisations and programs:
If you are in an emergency situation, you can call:
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
- Police 000 (emergency) or 131 444
- DCP Crisis Response Unit (after hours) 13 16 11
You may ask another adult you trust like a teacher, a carer or a social worker to help you do that.
- Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service is a service for anyone who has been sexually assaulted.
- Yarrow Place provides free and confidential service for people aged 16 years and over at the time of the sexual assault.
- 1800 817 421
For mental health support and wellbeing services, check out:
Headspace (for young people over 12 years old)
If you are in need of legal services, you can contact:
South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT)
- SACAT is a Tribunal that can review some decisions made by the Department of Child Protection (DCP)
SACAT is not connected to the DCP and will not take sides when reviewing your matter.
If you are unhappy with a decision made by the DCP which relates to your:
- placement arrangements:
- education;
- medical treatment
- or some other decision made by the DCP
you may be able to apply to SACAT to review that decision.
- For free legal advice
Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement
- Legal support for Aboriginal children and young people
Contract Arrangements Review Panel
- This panel provides an opportunity for your contact arrangements to be reviewed.
- If you want your contact arrangements reviewed by the panel, you must make an application within 14 days of receiving your contact determination.
- If you would like a review by the Contact Arrangements Review Panel phone 1800 003 305
