Citizenship
You're part of society, and you have rights as well as responsibilities. We can help you deal with issues you may have with your local council, school, or any other organisation.
The CAB campaigns for justice against discriminatory laws - and these can include those that work against the rights of young people.
Health
Registering with a GP
A child or young person under 16 has no right to choose her/his own GP and
must be registered by her/his parent(s).
A young person aged 16 and over can choose her/his own GP.
Confidentiality
A child or young person under 16 is entitled to a confidential consultation
with a doctor, provided s/he makes it clear that she does not want her parent(s)
to be told.
However, a doctor can refuse to discuss the matter if he is unwilling to accept a request for confidentiality.
A young person aged 16 and above is entitled to confidential advice and treatment
Consent to medical treatment
A child or young person under 16 can give her/his own consent to medical treatment
provided s/he fully understands what is involved.
If it is considered that the child or young person does not fully understand what is involved, a person with parental responsibility for her/him can give consent.
If a child or young person under 18 refuses treatment, a person with parental responsibility or medical staff may seek a court order to override this.
NHS charges
Children and young people aged under 16 and 16-18 year olds in full time education
are entitled to free prescriptions, dental treatment (including check ups),
eye tests, vouchers for glasses and free wigs and fabric supports.
Young people who are aged 16 and 17 and who are not in full time education are entitled to free dental treatment (including check ups). They may also qualify for help with other NHS treatment if they are on a low income.
Passports
Any person, of whatever age, who is travelling outside the United Kingdom, must have her/his own passport.
This includes babies and children. There are, however, transitional arrangements for children who were included on someone else's passport before 5 October 1998.
A child or young person must have the consent of a parent to have a passport, unless she/he is married or a member of the armed forces. A parent can object to a passport being issued to a child or young person under 16.
Proof of Age
There are two main schemes which provide cards enabling a child or young person to prove her/his age. CitizenCard is for general use while the card provided by the Portman Group is intended primarily to enable young people over 18 to prove that they are eligible to buy alcohol.
A child (over the age of 12) or young person can get a card from CitizenCard with which to prove she/he is old enough to obtain particular goods and services. If she/he is under 18 she/he will need parental consent.
An applicant will have to complete a form, pay a fee and provide two passport sized photographs and a statement from a qualified professional person confirming her/his age and that the photographs are a true likeness.
Application forms are available in a range of businesses including supermarkets, off licences and newsagents, or a child or young person can get one from the address below.
CitizenCard
18 Southolm Street
London
SW11 5EZ
Tel: 020 7498 9347
Fax: 020 7498 4833
Email: info@citizencard.net