Rights of Parents & Carers
The acronym used to remember parental legal rights under the Family Law Act 1975.
DEALM (Discipline, Education, Adoption, Legal proceedings, Medical decisions).
The age in Australia at which a young person can legally make their own independent medical decisions.
14 yrs old
The legal and moral obligation of parents and carers to protect the safety and welfare of dependants.
Duty of Care.
This strategy is proven to be far more effective for managing behaviour than handing out punishments.
Reinforcing positive behaviour (or positive reinforcement).
True or False: Discipline is the exact same thing as physical punishment.
False (discipline is a training system to reinforce codes of behaviour).
Under the Fair Work Act 2009, carers have the legal right to request these to help manage work and care duties.
Flexible work arrangements and leave.
The international agreement ratified by Australia in 1990 that sets out universal rights for young people.
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).
The role responsible for the long-term wellbeing and general welfare of a dependant.
Guardian.
Setting limits helps dependants understand this principle of understanding that actions have outcomes.
Cause and effect.
Children best learn how to manage stress and conflict by observing this in their parents.
Modelling healthy behaviours.
This 2010 Act formally defines a carer and legally recognises their contribution to society.
Carer Recognition Act 2010.
True or False: Children have an absolute legal right to automatically inherit their parents' property after death.
False (they have no absolute right, but can make claims under family law provisions).
The role responsible for the day-to-day care, supervision, and support of a dependant.
Custodian
To prevent rules from becoming confusing to dependants, parents should keep them this.
Short and simple.
According to the DISCIPLINE acronym, setting a good example means discipline is easier if it follows this phrase.
"Do as I do, not just do as I say".
What is a rights of a parent?
Daily care and control (or determining a child's upbringing).
This piece of legislation protects older dependants from unfair treatment in society and employment.
Age Discrimination Act 2004
The NSW law that requires parents to ensure their child attends school or is registered for homeschooling.
Education Act 1990 (NSW).
As dependants age and mature, household rules and boundaries must do this.
Change / adapt / be flexible.
When dependants break established rules, consequences should always be delivered in this manner.
Calmly and consistently.
Two pieces of legislation that protect carers against discrimination in areas like employment.
Anti-Discrimination Act and Carer Recognition Act 2010 (or Fair Work Act 2009).
Dependants who struggle to communicate can exercise their rights by appointing this person to speak on their behalf.
An advocate.
Key NSW legislation passed in 1998 designed to protect children from abuse, neglect, and harm.
Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998.
Involving dependants when setting household limits helps promote this key aspect of social interaction.
Respect for others (or fair treatment / negotiation).
To protect a child's ego and avoid feelings of revenge, punishment should always be delivered this way.
Quietly, firmly, discreetly, and respectfully.