Current Legislation in Child Protection and Safe Guarding
1.1 Current Legislation, Guidelines, Policies and Procedures for Safeguarding Children & Young People.
Child protection legislation can be separated into two main categories Criminal Law and Civil Law.
Criminal Law covers people that have offended or may be at risk of offending in the future.
Civil Law is split into Public Law and Private Law. Public Law implements systems and processes to minimise the risks to children being in harm and lays out what actions should be taken if they become at risk. Private Law deals with family law proceedings usually divorce and contact issues.
Child Protection Legislation and Regulations | What it Does | Children and Young Person’s Act 1933 | This was one the first ever Child protection legislation and some parted of it are still being used today. It includes a list of offences against children which are referred to as Schedule One Offences. These offences include any form of maltreatment, abuse, sexual assault. See appendix 1. | Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 | Ensures children’s safety in any type of care setting nursery, school and colleges etc. Establishments, employee’s and employers must cooperate with authorities and outside agencies, be aware of all safety rules, procedures, safe working practices and regulations. Ensure tools and equipment are in good working order, report any accidents and potential hazards. They must also take reasonable care of themselves and others and not misuse or interfere with equipment that is provided for the safety, welfare and health of people within the establishment. | Children’s Act 1989 | Sets out exactly what local authorities and the courts should do to protect children’s welfare. It enshrines a number of principles such as the paramountcy of children’s welfare and parental responsibilities. It is the first time that safe guarding of children. This piece of legislation is constantly under review and is updated regularly. | United Nations Convention on the Rights of the
Child protection legislation can be separated into two main categories Criminal Law and Civil Law.
Criminal Law covers people that have offended or may be at risk of offending in the future.
Civil Law is split into Public Law and Private Law. Public Law implements systems and processes to minimise the risks to children being in harm and lays out what actions should be taken if they become at risk. Private Law deals with family law proceedings usually divorce and contact issues.
Child Protection Legislation and Regulations | What it Does | Children and Young Person’s Act 1933 | This was one the first ever Child protection legislation and some parted of it are still being used today. It includes a list of offences against children which are referred to as Schedule One Offences. These offences include any form of maltreatment, abuse, sexual assault. See appendix 1. | Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 | Ensures children’s safety in any type of care setting nursery, school and colleges etc. Establishments, employee’s and employers must cooperate with authorities and outside agencies, be aware of all safety rules, procedures, safe working practices and regulations. Ensure tools and equipment are in good working order, report any accidents and potential hazards. They must also take reasonable care of themselves and others and not misuse or interfere with equipment that is provided for the safety, welfare and health of people within the establishment. | Children’s Act 1989 | Sets out exactly what local authorities and the courts should do to protect children’s welfare. It enshrines a number of principles such as the paramountcy of children’s welfare and parental responsibilities. It is the first time that safe guarding of children. This piece of legislation is constantly under review and is updated regularly. | United Nations Convention on the Rights of the