Know about the legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures for safeguarding the welfare of children and young people including e-safety
The concept of safeguarding, which works to protect children, has only been developed in the last 50 years. The need for improved legislation has been highlighted by high-profi le cases, such as the death of Maria
Colwell in 1973 and, more recently, Victoria Climbié in 2000. These cases shocked the nation and showed weaknesses in procedures.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the
Child (1989)
This treaty sets out the rights and freedoms of all children in a set of 54 articles. Included in those rights are those which ensure that children are safe and looked a er. Article 19 states children’s rights to be ‘protected from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation including sexual abuse by those looking a er them’. Those countries which signed up to the Treaty, including the UK in 1991, are legally bound to implement legislation which supports each of the articles.
Identify the current legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures for safeguarding the welfare of children and young people including e-safety
Children Act 1989
This Act identifi es the responsibilities of parents and professionals who must work to ensure the safety of the child. This Act includes two important sections which focus specifi