England & Wales · 2004
Children Act 2004
Protects: All children — through the safeguarding system.
Information only. This is not legal advice. Court procedures and the law change. Always confirm with a solicitor, Citizens Advice, or a domestic abuse advocate before acting.
Summary
Created the framework for safeguarding (Local Safeguarding Children Boards, now Safeguarding Partners under the Children and Social Work Act 2017). Underpins the duty to cooperate to safeguard and promote welfare.
Key provisions
s.11 — Duty to safeguard
Public bodies must make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
What this Act affects
The specific protective court orders and decision points this Act creates or feeds — with the exact statutory section.
Duty to safeguard
s.11Decision point: duty on police, NHS, schools, housing, probation to make arrangements to safeguard and promote welfare — basis of MASH referrals and CP Plan multi-agency working.