Client Rights

When providing services to children, youth, and families, agencies must ensure the protection of client rights, most commonly in the following areas: nondiscrimination, acceptance or refusal of services, ethical treatment, confidentiality, and grievance procedures. Use the following resources to learn more about client rights in child welfare.

• State and local examples

Children's Ombudsman Offices: Office of the Child Advocate
National Conference of State Legislatures (2018)
Provides information on States that have an ombudsman office and reviews the role of these offices in overseeing State children's services.

Child-Friendly Resources
UNICEF, The Convention on the Rights of the Child
Provides resources for children, caregivers, and educators about the universal rights of children and youth.

Do Involuntary Clients Have a Right to Self-Determination?
Barsky (2014)
The New Social Worker
Examines how the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics applies in cases that involve involuntary services.

Grievance Procedures (PDF - 93 KB)
Council on Accreditation
In Accreditation Standards: Client Rights
Analyzes how agency-level decisions set a standard for protecting and supporting client rights.

Foster Care Bill of Rights
National Conference of State Legislatures (2016)
Informs children and youth in foster care of their rights and responsibilities within the child welfare system.

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