Safeguarding Children: Overview of UK Legislation and Policies

1. Give a brief outline of current legislation, guidelines, policies, and procedures within own UK Home Nation affecting safeguarding of children and young people.

The UK’s nations, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales have their own child protection system and laws to help protect children from abuse and neglect. They have a framework of legislation, guidance, and practice to identify children who are at risk from harm and to protect them and act in preventing further abuse.

In England, the dept. for education is responsible for child protection. It sets out policy legislation and statutory guidance on how the child protection system should work.

Local safeguarding children boards (LSCBs) - They co-ordinate the protection and promotion

Safeguarding vulnerable groups (N.Ireland) order 2007 – this act sets out measures to prevent unsuitable adults from working with children.

In Scotland, the government is responsible for child protection. Child protection committees (CPCs) are responsible for child protection policy procedures and make sure that all the different local agencies, such as children’s social work, health services and the police work together.

Children act 1995 – this act provides the legislative framework for Scotland’s child protection system. Parental responsibilities and rights. Duties and powers public authorities must support and intervene if there are concerns about a child.

The Welsh child protection system is similar to England’s system. In April 2016, the social service and well-being (Wales) Act 2014 Came into force, giving Wales its own framework for social services.

2. Explain child protection within the wider field of safeguarding children and young people.

Children have the right to be protected from harm. Children and young people should have the same protection regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious beliefs, or sexual