What rights do children in care have that agencies must protect?

• A. Safety, access to education and health care, religious and cultural rights, and ongoing contact with family as appropriate.
• B. Safety only
• C. Education and health care only
• D. Religious and cultural rights only

Answer: (B)

Safety is the foundation of protections for children in care. Agencies must act to prevent and respond to any harm, abuse, or dangerous situations to keep the child physically and emotionally safe. While access to education and health care, honoring religious and cultural rights, and maintaining appropriate contact with family are important parts of a child’s well-being, the immediate, non-negotiable obligation is to ensure the child’s safety. Once safety is secured, these other areas are addressed as part of overall well-being, but safety stands as the core right agencies must protect at all times.