Holidays give us the chance to relax, to visit new places and spend time with people who mean a lot to us.
If you are locked up for crime or immigration reasons, it is extremely unlikely you will be able to leave to have a holiday. The only possible reason would be on compassionate grounds – because a close family member is seriously ill, for example.
Children and young people living in other places – children’s homes, schools or hospitals – should be able to have a holiday with family members, foster carers or their children’s home or school. Holidays with friends may also be possible, depending on your age, maturity and circumstances.
Holidays should only be ruled out for safety reasons – for example, if you are too poorly to travel or the people you want to go on holiday would not look after you well, or have hurt you or other children in the past.
If you have been told you cannot go on holiday, you have the right to know why and to be able to question the decision.
Decisions about holidays should be taken one at a time. For example, it might not be safe for you to go on holiday this year, or with particular people, but it could be safe a different time, or with different people. The holiday you want to go on will also be relevant – a weekend camping trip is different from a month travelling around Europe!
If you are living in care, and your school is organising a trip abroad, your social worker and council should do their very best to help you take part. You should never miss out on things at school just because you are in care. If a council is looking after you because your parents need some support, the law says the council can give help so you and your family can have a holiday together.
If you have any questions about holidays, please talk to a member of staff. Or you can ask an advocate to help you put your views across.
Can children and young people in care go on school holidays?
Pick 1 answerAbsolutely! You know your rights. Well done.
