Charter of Rights

Children’s Charter of Rights

All children deserve basic rights and freedoms. A fair share of society’s resources must be devoted to ensuring this. While families are responsible for raising their children, all levels of government, in partnership with communities, have a duty to support families by putting the health and well-being of children first.

All children in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph have a right to:

• a quality of life that meets their physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and social needs.
• have basic needs met including nutritious food, a healthy environment and a safe and comfortable place to live.
• access quality and affordable child care, early education programs and/or parenting support.
• safe places and time to play, and access to affordable recreational activities.
• quality education to enable them to reach their full potential.
• quality time with their families and/or other nurturing and positive role models throughout their childhood.
• protection from neglect, abuse and exposure to family violence.
• be accepted for who they are, and believe what they want without being discriminated against.

Youth Charter of Rights

All youth in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph have a right to:

• A voice in the issues that affect our lives;
• Good health by having our social, emotional, mental, physical and spiritual needs met;
• A place to sleep, clothes to wear, food to eat and supportive friends and/or family;
• Affordable activities and programs, and safe places to hang out;
• Education, training and opportunities that prepare us for our future lives;
• Quality time with our friends, family and/or other positive role models in our community;
• Be and feel safe in our homes, schools and communities;
• Be accepted for who we are and what we believe without being discriminated against;
• Access to quality and affordable child care, early education programs and/or parenting supports.

All youth deserve basic rights and freedoms. A fair share of society’s resources must be devoted to ensuring this. While families are responsible for raising their children, all levels of government, in partnership with communities, have a duty to support families by putting the health and well-being of children first.