Children's Rights In Healthcare

Rights of every child in healthcare

Let everyone know these are the rights of every child in healthcare.

Tamariki are special

Know that children are special and always do what is best for us.

Listen to us

Listen to us when we tell you how we are thinking and feeling, when we are upset, when we have problems or worries or when we need to talk to you. We may not be able to use words, so take notice of what we do and how we look because this can tell you what we are thinking and feeling.

Give us the best care

Give us the very best possible care and the comfort we need.

Let us and our whānau be who we want to be

Let us and our families and whānau be who we want to be, whatever our beliefs and customs, so that we feel safe at all times.

Let our families be with us

Let our families and whānau and others who are important to us be with us, to care for us and love and aroha us.

Tell us what we need to know

No matter how big or small we are, tell us what we need to know in a way we can understand.

Give us a say

Let us have a say in things that are happening to us now and in the future. Respect our decisions and let us make decisions for ourselves.

Protect us

No one has the right to harm us, not doctors or nurses and not even our mums or dads. Protect us always from anyone who would harm us or treat us badly.

Give us space - our bodies belong to us

Our bodies belong to us. Ask us if you want to share information about us and make sure we stay safe. Give us space and privacy, as well as the chance to be with others.

Help us grow, learn and play

Help us grow up to be the best we can. Let us learn, let us play and discover some things for ourselves.

Work together to do what is best for us

When you care for us make sure that everyone is working together to do what is best for us until we are grown up and can decide things for ourselves.

Charter of tamariki/children's and rangatahi/young people's rights in healthcare services

You can check the whole document: Charter of tamariki/children's and rangatahi/young people's rights in healthcare services in Aotearoa New Zealand: A consensus statement by Children's Hospitals Australasia (CHA) and the Paediatric Society of New Zealand (PDF, 3MB).