welfare of the child is the most important concern.
Wherever possible children should
be brought up within their own
family.
Children in need and
their parents should be
supported in the
upbringing of their
child.
ensure delays are avoided
Children should be
kept informed about
what is happening to
them
Parents will continue to have parental
responsibility for their children, even when
they do not live with them. They should be
kept informed about their children and
participate in decision-making, where it
concerns their future.
As the child gets
older they can make
decisions about their
own future.
Social services can acquire
parental responsibility by
applying to the courts.
Children can also be
removed into police
protection for a period of up
to 72hrs.
Cases should be dealt with asap
Multidisciplinary approach
Children should be consulted
Examples
Paramountcy principle
Children consulted
wherever possible
Stay with wider family circle/parents
Issues determined as soon as possible
Working in
multidisciplinary teams
Overall protects welfare of children
Emergency
protection/care
orders
Strengths
Children are protected from
harm through the 'paramouncy'
principle
Acknowledge the rights
of children and protects
their welfare
Children are able to
express their
preferences and views
and these have to be
'listened to'
Children have 'rights'
Parents have
responsibilities which
they must accept
local authority
must work in
partnershp
with parents
Weaknesses
Time/cost for investigation cases
Staff shortage
Children too young to understand their rights
Young offenders are not offered the same protection
as other children