The Children Act 1989

The Children Act 1989

1. Local Authority Social Services departments - act together to provide services + support = good communication for families and children

2. Protects children at risk - paramouncy principle - children safety = priority

3. Children have right to be heard/ wishes taken into consideration - regarding how cared for/live with

4. Support provided to keep families together - rather than automatically removing the child - helping the readjust to get back to norms

5. Child protection cases PIES need to be taken into consideration - means emotional/physical impact of removing the child from family

6. Updated in 2004 - Promted by Victoria Climbe case social services/organisations failed to share information

   • Every Child Matters - aimed to minimize risks to children by changing policies

7. All local authorities to have "Director of Children Services" - accountable for all services for children = improve quality care (idea)

8. Services will be inspected and departments have their performance levels rated

9. Plans have to be drawn up to take into account childrens individual needs