What can I expect? What are my rights as a teen in foster care?
You are entitled to know what put you in foster
care and why you are still in care.
You have the right to be in a place, free of
abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, and mental).
You have the right to be in a home with your
brothers and sisters if an appropriate home can be found.
You have the right to have regular visits with
your brothers and sisters if you are separated from them.
You have the right to be involved in your
service planning.
You are entitled to medical, dental, and mental
health care.
You have the right to adequate food and
clothing.
You are allowed to keep your personal
possessions, including those things that are purchased for you while in foster
care.
You have the right to go to school and
participate in afterschool activities.
You are entitled to have regular visits with
your family unless otherwise ordered by the court.
You have a right to privacy.
You have the right to send and get mail.
(Special circumstances may require screening of mail, in which case you have
the right to know why this is required.)
You are allowed to make and receive phone calls.
You have the right to practice your religion and
participate in activities related to your cultural heritage.
You have the right to have caring foster parents
who have been properly screened and trained.
You are entitled to know about changes in your
case.
You have the right to have legal representation.
You have the right to have contact with your
case workers, lawyers and advocates.
You are allowed to speak in court about what you
want for the future.
You have the right to services to help prepare
you for adulthood.
