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Best interests

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What does this mean?

It’s your right that when adults make decisions about you, they think about what is best for you.

You might not always like what an adult decides but it might be what is best for you.

Example: A parent might read your text messages if they are worried about your safety, even though this goes against your right to privacy.

Learn more about this right

  • UNCRC, article 3, it’s your right that adults should do what is best for you. When adults make decisions, they should think about how their decisions affect children.
  • Under Article 42A of the Irish Constitution, it’s your right that courts consider a child’s best interests in family law and child care cases.
  • Under the Adoption Act 2010, it’s your right that your welfare is the most important thing for professionals to think about when considering who is to adopt you.
  • Under the Child and Family Agency Act 2013 (creation of Tusla), it’s your right that Tusla thinks about your best interests when making decisions about you.