the children act 2004

• aims to protect children at risk of harm and to keep them safe. this may involve taking them away from their family and using an emergency protection order/care order.
• paramountcy principle - the child's needs must come first. for example, taking a child away may adversely affect their parents but be in the child's best interests. children have the right to stay within their wider family circle wherever possible.
• the child has a right to be consulted - the act gives children who are mature/old enough a voice, their wishes should be taken into consideration.
• children have a right to an advocate - a person who will speak up for them and help them to understand the legal system.
• encourages partnership working - practitioners need to ensure information is shared to help avoid miscommunication, particularly in child protection situations.
• created the children's commissioner and set up local safeguarding children boards to represent children's interests.