1) The Children Act 1989 introduced comprehensive changes to legislation in England and Wales surrounding welfare of children
Identified the responsibility of parents and those who work with children for the children’s safety
Aims:
* Achieve a balance between protecting children and the rights of parents to challenge state intervention
* Encourage partnership between statutory authorities and parents
* Restructure framework of the courts, regard to family proceedings
* Redefine the concept of parental responsibilities
Focuses on safeguarding children and duties of local authorities
2) The Every Child Matters guidelines
Led to the children act 2004, direct result of the Laming report following the death of Climbie. The report was highly critical in the way the case was handled and made many recommendations to overhaul child protection.
Main points:
* Closer working relationship between agencies (health professionals, schools and welfare services)
* Central database containing records of all children and whether they are known to other services
* Independent children’s commissioner for England to protect children’s and young peoples rights.
* Children and families board, chaired by senior gov. minister
* Ofsted will set a framework which will monitor children’s services
The Children Act 2004 required these became legal requirements. Every Child Matters framework was introduced to implement the act.
3) The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989)
International human rights treaty sets out rights of all children to be treated equally. Rights that every child under 18 years old is entitled too (civil, cultural, economic, social and political)
* Right to services (education and health care)
* Grow up in an environment of happiness, love and understanding
* Develop their personalities, abilities and talents to their own potential
* Special protection measures and...