Your Rights 

Every child in Poland has rights, no matter where they come from. If you are under 18, you have the right to be safe, go to school, receive healthcare, and be treated with respect. If you need protection, you can ask for asylum and receive support during the process. If you arrived in Poland without your parents or another adult who cares for you, a guardian may be appointed to help protect your rights and make important decisions with you. You have the right to understand what is happening, ask questions, and have an interpreter if needed. You can also receive free legal advice and support from organisations, social workers, lawyers, and other professionals. When you turn 18, some types of support may change, but you can still receive help with your legal situation, education, housing, healthcare, and other important matters.

Staying Safe 

Keep your identity documents and important phone numbers in a safe place. If possible, make copies or take photos of your documents. Be careful if someone you do not know offers you transport, work, money, or a place to stay, especially if they ask you to keep it secret or ask for payment. Never give your passport or personal documents to someone you do not trust. If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and leave if you can. If you feel unsafe, lost, or worried, talk to a trusted adult, social worker, teacher, police officer, or a support organisation. Asking for help is always okay, and there are people in Poland whose job is to help keep children and young people safe.

Violence, Exploitation & Trafficking 

Some people may try to take advantage of children and young people. This can include forcing someone to work, beg, steal, commit crimes, or do sexual acts. They may use lies, threats, violence, or promises of money or a better life to control someone. This is called exploitation or trafficking. If this happens to you, it is never your fault. You will not get into trouble for asking for help. If someone is hurting you, threatening you, or making you do something you do not want to do, tell a trusted adult, your guardian, a social worker, the police, or a support organisation as soon as you can. They can help you safely, confidentially, and free of charge.

Guardians & Child Protection 

If you are under 18 and arrive in Poland without your parents or legal caregiver, the authorities can appoint a guardian to help protect your rights. A guardian and social workers help you stay safe, find a safe place to live, go to school, receive healthcare, and understand legal procedures. They also help make sure your views are heard when important decisions are made about your future. Their support is free. If you think you need help, you can tell the police, border authorities, a social worker, or another trusted organisation. When you turn 18, your guardian's role usually ends, but you can still receive support from organisations and services that help young adults with education, legal advice, housing, employment, and other important needs.

Asylum, Residence & Family Reunification 

If you cannot safely return to your home country, you have the right to ask for asylum in Poland. If you are under 18 and alone, you have extra protection during the asylum process, including support from a guardian and professionals who help you understand what is happening. If members of your family are living in another country, it may be possible to reunite with them through legal family reunification procedures. Before making important decisions or travelling to another country, speak with your guardian, lawyer, social worker, or a trusted organisation. They can explain your options and help you make safe decisions. After you turn 18, you may still receive legal advice and support with residence permits, asylum procedures, and family reunification.

Education & Healthcare 

Children and young people in Poland have the right to go to school, regardless of where they come from. Many schools also offer Polish language support to help you learn and take part in lessons. If you are under 18, you can receive healthcare, including emergency treatment and other medical services. You can also get help for your mental health if you feel worried, stressed, or upset. Doctors, nurses, psychologists, teachers, and school staff are there to support you and keep your information private whenever possible. After you turn 18, you can continue your education and may still have access to healthcare depending on your legal situation. If you are unsure what support you can receive, ask a social worker, your guardian, or another trusted organisation for advice.

Any questions?

• Organisation responsible for this information: Itaka Foundation

• Email: itaka@zaginieni.pl

• Website: zaginieni.pl and itaka.org.pl

Closing Message

You are not alone.

There are people and organisations in Poland that can help protect you, answer your questions, and support you. If you need help, reach out—you deserve to be safe, listened to, and treated with respect.

Emergency numbers

• 112: Emergency number for police, ambulance, or fire service. Call if someone is in danger or needs urgent help. Free, available 24/7.

• 999: Ambulance and emergency medical assistance. Free, 24/7.

• 998: Fire service. Free, 24/7.

• 997: Police. Free, 24/7.

• 116 111: Child Helpline (Fundacja Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę). If you feel scared, sad, lonely, or need someone to talk to. Free and confidential.

• 116 000: Missing Children Hotline (Fundacja ITAKA). If a child is missing or you are worried about a missing child. Free and confidential, available 24/7.

Useful Organisations

• UNHCR Poland – Help for Refugees: Information on asylum, refugee rights, and available support services. 

• UNICEF Polska – where to look for help: A list of organisations supporting children and migrants. 

• Urząd do Spraw Cudzoziemców: Office for Foreigners – Information on residence procedures and international protection 

• Fundacja Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę: Psychological support and child protection services. 

• Fundacja ITAKA: Support in cases of missing children (and adults). 

• Stowarzyszenie Interwencji Prawnej: Free legal assistance for foreign nationals. 

• Helsińska Fundacja Praw Człowieka (Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights): Legal support and protection of human rights. 

• La Strada Foundation: Support for victims of human trafficking. 

• International Organization for Migration (IOM) Poland: Information on safe migration and support services for migrants.