We all know that parents provide an invaluable role in rearing and nurturing children. But parents need society's support to do their job well especially at the birth of a child; on their child's entry to elementary school or moving to a secondary school or into the workplace, college or university; and when parents return to work .
The Parent and Family Engagement Committee of the Best Start Network was inspired by hearing about the Parent Charter in Tower Hamlets, London, England. There the Parent Charter was used as the backbone for integrated universal, targeted and specialized programs for parents, all linked to the community's strategic planning.
It is hoped that a Hamilton Parent Charter will play an important role here too. The desire is that a Hamilton Parent Charter will be endorsed by all those who provide services to parents; emphasize the importance our community gives to parents; set a gold standard of how parents can expect to be treated in their dealings with health, early childhood education, schools and other social services; and provide a catalyst for further improvements in parental support.
This Parent Charter was approved by the Hamilton Best Start Network in November 2010
As parents you are involved in your children’s lives from the moment they are conceived. Parenting is a lifelong commitment. You should be offered support to help you as you raise your children.
The Right to Respect
You will be
· treated fairly and equally
· treated with dignity
· treated without judgement or discrimination
The Right to Information
You will
· receive timely information
· receive accurate information that will help you make informed decisions
The Right to Be Heard
You will
· be listened to
· be understood
· get a response to your concerns
The Right to Assistance
You will have timely access to
· assistance
· services
· supports
The Right to be Involved
You have the right to
· have an active role in all areas of your children’s lives
· participate in opportunities to make change
The Right to Safety and Security
You can expect
· privacy and confidentiality
· safe physical environments
The Right to Appeal
You have the right to
· know the process for review
· ask for change to any decision you have concerns about
These rights shall apply to all parents without discrimination according to race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, ability/disability, ethnic origin, region, economic status, religion, source of income or any other distinction. This Parent Charter does not replace the law.
“Parent” refers to mothers, fathers, legal guardians, and other adults responsible for the care of a child.
”Child” refers to a dependent, who is not able to advocate on their own behalf.
Suggestions for its use:
Parents can expect the Hamilton Parent Charter of Rights:
o to help set a gold standard of how parents can expect to be treated in their dealings with service providers, or any organization that they come into contact with.
o to provide a consistent message about the value of their parenting role
Organizations may refer to the Hamilton Parent Charter of Rights:
o to raise the profile of parents
o to advocate for the rights of parents
o when reviewing their internal policies, their mission and vision
o in the process of planning and making programming decisions
o by placing the Charter in a prominent place so that everyone coming into their organization could read it and better understand the commitment to parents in our community
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