Parental Rights and Responsibilities

Highlights

• As a parent, you have certain rights and responsibilities.
• These rights are protected by law.
• You are also responsible for providing care, safety, and support for your child.

In This Article

• What are my rights and responsibilities as a parent?
• Pregnancy and work
• Breastfeeding
• Parental leave
• Where can I get more information about parental rights?

What Are My Rights and Responsibilities as a Parent?

The law allows parents to raise their children according to their own values and beliefs. You have the right to make decisions about your child’s upbringing without interference. However, if a child’s well-being is at risk, authorities may intervene to ensure their safety.

Parents have the right to decide on:

• Their child’s religion
• Their child’s education
• Medical treatment for their child
• Where their child lives
• Disciplinary measures they consider appropriate

At the same time, parents are responsible for:

• Protecting their child from harm
• Providing food, clothing, and shelter
• Financially supporting their child
• Ensuring safety, supervision, and guidance
• Providing medical care
• Ensuring access to education

In most cases, parents make these decisions without external interference. However, authorities may intervene if a child is:

• Experiencing neglect or mistreatment
• Not attending school
• Being denied necessary medical care

In such cases, legal measures may be taken to ensure the child receives proper care and support.

Pregnancy and Work

It is illegal to discriminate against someone due to pregnancy or the possibility of becoming pregnant.

If you are pregnant, you have the right to continue working under the same conditions as others. You also have the right to return to your job after maternity leave.

Breastfeeding

Laws protect the rights of individuals to breastfeed in public spaces, workplaces, and educational settings.

Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for breastfeeding parents.

Parental Leave

Employees may be entitled to paid or unpaid parental leave when they have or adopt a child.

The amount of paid leave depends on workplace agreements and employment contracts. Many employers also offer additional parental leave benefits.

Parents may be eligible for up to 12 months of unpaid parental leave. In some cases, an additional 12 months may be requested, subject to employer approval.

Parental leave includes:

• Maternity leave
• Paternity and partner leave
• Adoption leave
• Special leave for pregnancy-related reasons

Partner Leave

Fathers and partners, including same-sex partners, may also be entitled to paid or unpaid leave when welcoming a new child into their family.

Casual employees may qualify for unpaid parental leave if they have worked regularly for at least 12 months before the leave begins.

Tools and Assistance

For more information on parental leave, workplace rights, and family support services, consult local labor and social service agencies.