Children Act 1989
United Kingdom legislation / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Children Act 1989 (c. 41) is an Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom that received royal assent on 16 November 1989 and came into substantial force across all three jurisdictions of the United Kingdom on 14 October 1991.[6][note 1] In 1995, for the purposes of devolution, the Act was replaced by parallel legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland.[9][10] And in 2016, Part III of the Act was replaced in Wales.[11]
Act of Parliament | |
Long title | An Act to reform the law relating to children; to provide for local authority services for children in need and others; to amend the law with respect to children’s homes, community homes, voluntary homes and voluntary organisations; to make provision with respect to fostering, child minding and day care for young children and adoption; and for connected purposes. |
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Citation | 1989 c. 41 |
Introduced by | The Lord Chancellor, Lord Mackay of Clashfern, 23 November 1988[1] |
Territorial extent | England and Wales (only partially in Wales) |
Dates | |
Royal assent | 16 November 1989 (1989-11-16)[2] |
Commencement |
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Other legislation | |
Amended by |
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Repealed by | In Scotland: Children (Scotland) Act 1995 |
Status: Amended | |
Text of statute as originally enacted | |
Revised text of statute as amended |
The Act is described as the most substantial reforms to children's law of the 20th century.[12]
The Act allocates duties to local authorities, courts, parents, and other agencies in the United Kingdom, to ensure children are safeguarded and their welfare is promoted. It centres on the idea that children are best cared for within their own families; however, it also makes provisions for instances when parents and families do not co-operate with statutory bodies.