Introduction Adoption is a legal procedure which means you will become part of a new family, called an adoptive family. Usually, adoption happens because you can’t live with your birth family. There are lots of reasons why you might not be able to live with your birth family; it might be that they find it hard to look after you …
Introduction If you have been adopted, there are ways to find details about your birth family. If you’re 18 or over, you have the legal right to information about your adoption and to access your birth records. If you’re under 18 and want to find out about your birth family, speak to your adoptive parents and ask them to share …
At what age can I change my name? If you are 16 or over, you can change your name via deed poll. A deed poll is a legal document that proves a change of name. You can change any part of your name, add or remove names or hyphens, or alter the spelling. If you are under 16, the consent …
Introduction If your parents have separated and one has moved out, decisions may need to be made about which parent you will live with most of the time and how much time you will spend with the other parent. If you mainly live with one parent and spend some evenings during the week or time at the weekend with your …
Introduction If you are ‘looked after’ by children’s services, either under a care order or a Section 20 arrangement, you will usually be living away from your parents and siblings. Children’s services have a duty to make sure you have regular contact with your family, if it’s in your best interests. Can I see my family if I am in …
Introduction It is not always possible or safe for siblings in the care system to live together. Where siblings cannot be placed together, it’s important that siblings continue to have contact with one another. Children’s services are responsible for promoting contact between siblings as long as it’s safe to do so. How can I have contact with my sibling? You …
Introduction If you are under 16, you usually need the agreement of your parent or carer for major decisions, such as changing your name or moving to a new school. What if I don’t agree with my parents? The decisions that your parents make about you should always be made in your best interests. If you’re mature enough to understand, …
What is legal aid? Legal aid is money from the government that will pay a solicitor or a legal representative to act on your behalf. In some cases, you may have to contribute to the cost of a solicitor, but only when you have the money to do so. Criminal legal aid If you are arrested and held in custody …
At what age can I travel abroad on my own? If you are 18 or over, you can travel abroad on your own without needing the consent of your parents. If you are under 18, it depends on the airline or travel operator, and on the rules of the country you’re travelling to. You should always check: The airline’s policy …
Introduction If you’re experiencing or facing homelessness, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and to understand your rights around accessing accommodation. There are two key pieces of legislation relating to 16 and 17-year olds who are experiencing or facing homelessness: Children Act 1989 Housing Act 1996 Accommodation under the Children Act 1989 If you are homeless or at …
At what age can I enter marriage or a civil partnership? In England you can get married or enter into a civil partnership once you reach the age of 18. 16 and 17 year olds used to be able to get married or enter into a civil partnership with parental consent, but this is no longer the case. What’s a …
If your parents have separated, they will need to decide on the arrangements for you. The main decision will be deciding where you will live. It is possible for there to be an arrangement for shared residence and this would mean that you share your time between your parents for example you live half of the week with one parent, …
What is parental responsibility? Parental responsibility (PR) means the legal rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority a person has for a child and their property. A person who has PR for you has the right to make major decisions about your care and upbringing. This can include things like: Your education Your religion Consenting to certain medical treatment Choosing, registering …
What is smacking? Smacking is hitting a child with an open hand, usually as a way to punish or discipline them. Can a teacher smack you? It is against the law for your teacher to ever hit you. Can a parent smack you? It is against the law for your parent or carer to smack you unless this is ‘reasonable …
What is special guardianship? You could become the subject of a special guardianship order if you live with someone other than your birth parents, and the intention is for it to be a long-term arrangement. The person you live with would be called your special guardian, and they would acquire parental responsibility for you, which would be shared with those …
What is wardship? Wardship is when the High Court becomes your legal guardian. If this happens, you become a ‘ward of court’. This means that no important decisions about you can be made without the High Court’s permission. Wardship is only used in special situations, like if you’re in serious danger or at risk of harm. When might wardship be …
Who is a Young Carer? If you are under the age of 18 and you regularly provide emotional and/or practical care for a family member, you may be entitled to support from children’s services. For example, you can be given financial support or breaks from your caring responsibilities. Young carers are defined as: “Children and young people (under 18) who …