Your voice matters

The Children and Young People (Safety and Support) Act 2025 (CYPSS Act) is a new law that sets clearer expectations about how DCP must listen to you and include you in decisions about your life.

The law hasn’t started yet, but it shows how the system is changing to better support you and what you can expect DCP to work towards when making decisions that affect you.

The new law is about making sure:

  • you are listened to in ways that feel right for you
  • decisions about your life are made with you, not just about you
  • professional staff take more responsibility for sharing information and working together
  • your family, culture, and identity are respected
  • you are supported to plan for your future, including leaving care when the time comes.

Under the new law, professionals working with you are expected to:

  • give you a genuine chance to share what you think before decisions are made
  • explain things in ways you can understand
  • tell you how your ideas helped shape the decision, even when it’s difficult
  • listen carefully and take your views seriously
  • think about what matters to you now and in the future.

There is no single “right” way to have your say. You can choose what works best for you. This could include:

  • talking in person or over the phone
  • writing an email, message, or letter
  • sharing your thoughts through art or writing
  • recording a voice note or video
  • having a support person, advocate or lawyer speak for you.

You can also choose not to share your views at certain times. That choice will be respected too.

You lead the journey

You don’t need to wait for the new law to share your views and express what matters to you.

You can talk with your worker, carer, or another trusted adult about:

  • your goals
  • what feels safe or unsafe
  • what support would help you right now
  • plans for your future.

If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to ask questions or ask for help.

Who can support me?

If you want advice, support, or to understand your rights better, you can talk to:

You deserve to feel safe, supported, and heard, even when decisions are hard.