The Aims of Children's Services

The Child Care policy and practice of the Department is based on the following key principles. They are derived from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Children Act 1989

• Children have a right to be protected from abuse and exploitation,
• Children who have been abused have a right to help and assistance to return to a happy and healthy childhood,
• Children have a right to expect that the promotion and safeguarding of their welfare will be the paramount consideration of those people involved in making decisions which affect their lives,
• Children and all family members have a right to expect that they will be enabled to fulfill their potential, irrespective of their race, gender, cultural or religious background, or any disability,
• Children living in substitute care have the same rights to health, education and personal care as all other children,
• Children and all family members have a right to be consulted about decisions affecting their lives, and to have their views taken seriously,
• It is essential that plans for individual children are developed in partnership with the child and its family, and that the plans recognise the childs perception of time and their right to security and choice.