The Children Act 2004

Question 1

What is the Children Act 2004 (TCA)?

Answer 1

It is a legislation that sets out children’s rights.

It includes all of the information from TCA 1989, with more emphasises on:

1. Make welfare of the child paramount
2. Ensure agencies work together
3. Provide quality education to children

The reasons for the changes were linked to the case of Victoria Climbie’.

Question 2

What are the key aspects of TCA 2004?

Answer 2

Aims to protect children at risk of harm and keep them safe

Paramountcy principle

Right to be consulted

Right to an advocate

Encourage partnership working

Created the children’s commissioner

Children’s safeguarding board must be set up in different areas

Set up the ‘Every Child Matters’ outcomes

Question 3

What are the ‘Every Child Matters’ outcomes?

Answer 3

Staying safe

Healthy

Enjoying and achieving

Economic well being

Positive contribution

Question 4

What is the purpose of an advocate?

Answer 4

Supports the child to provide advice and guidance

Make sure children’s interests and wishes are promoted

Empowers the child and promotes their rights

Question 5

What is the purpose of a commissioner?

Answer 5

Represents their views and wishes of children (especially those vulnerable)

They design and implement policies that impact children

Current Commissioner– Dame Rachel De Souza

Question 6

What is the purpose of the safeguarding board?

Answer 6

Every local authority is required to have one

This co-ordinates word to promote children’s welfare

They make sure organisations are safeguarding them effectively

Question 7

What is the purpose of partnership working?

Answer 7

Different organisations and people work together to protect and safeguard children to promote their schools

Ensures every child is protected, has needs met and has access to required services

Promotes information sharing and ensures a joined-up response to reduce the risk of harm to children