The following legislation affects Safeguarding children and young people in the UK- The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the child 1989 this includes childrens rights to protection from abuse, the right to express their views and be listened to, and the right to care and services for diabled children or children living away from home. Although different british governments have said that it regards itself bound by the Convention and refers to it in child protection guidance,it has not become part of UK law. Working together to safeguard children 2010 applies to those working in education, health and social services as well as the police and the probation service. It is relevant to those working with children and their families in the statutory, independent and voluntary sectors.
The document covers a summary of the nature and impact of child abuse and neglect, how to operate best practice in child protection procedures,the roles and responsibilities of different agencies and practitioners, the role of local safeguarding children boards,the processes to be followed when there are concerns about a child, the action to be followed when there are concerns about a child,the action to be taken to safeguard and promote the welfare of children experiencing, or at risk of,significant harm,the important principles to be followed when working with children and families, training requirements for effective child protection what to do if youre worried a child is being abused 2003 is a guide for professionals working with children which explains the processes and systems contained in working together to safeguard children.
The protection of children Act 1999 requires childcare organisations not to offers employment involving regular contact with children, either paid or unpaid, to any person listed as unsuitable to work with children on the Deaprtment of Health list and the Department for Education and Employments list 99. The criminal records bureau acts as a central access point for criminal records checks for all those applying to work with children and young people the children act 2004 sections 1-9 created a childrens commisioner for England, placed a duty on local authorities to appoint a Director of childrens services and an elected lead member for childrens services, who is accountable for the delivery of services.
It placed a duty on local authorities and their partners (including the police, health service providers and the youth justice system) to cooperate in promoting the wellbeing of children and young people and to make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The act also revised the legislation on physical punishment by making it an offence to hit a child if it causes mental harm or leaves a lasting mark on the skin
