Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698831617448.pdf (Sierra Leone)
Supplement to the Sierrd Leone Gazelte Vol.

CXLXIII, Nc date.J 24th NoeembeL 2022 BILL THE CHILD RICHTS ACT, 2022 ARRAI\.IGEM ENT OF SECTIONS Sections- l. 2 Application ofprinciple ofbest inteEst ofthe child lnterpretation.

PART I-+RELIMINARY PART II.CONTIMJATION OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR CHILDREN 3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9, 10.

Il.


The National Cornmission for Children Functions of Commission Composition of Commission Filling ofvacancies Tenure of members RemuEration of memb€rs Meetings ofCommission Disclosure of interest Commitrees of Commission PARI III-THE FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION 1?.

Functions of Commission PART IV _ADMINISTRAIION OF THE COMMISSION 13.

Secretariatofcomrnission 14.

Regional and disrrict offices ofSecretariat 15.


Prot€ction ofofficers and otlrer employees ofsecretarial t PART V_CHILD WELFARE FLNCTIONS OF IOCAL COMMITTEES A}.ID DISTRICT COTINCII.S 16.

Ward child welfare committce 17 .

District Council to ptotecl childr€n PART VI_ R.IGHTSOFACHILD Rights ofa child Child in oeed ofcare and protecrion Right ofa disabled child Right ofa child bom in dete ion Right of child not to be recruited into armed forces 18.

19. m. ?1.

2,. lt 3.

Rights of child in court 24.


Protection tom torture, degrading t!€ahEnt, bazardous labour alld early 25.

Other social rcspoosibilities to a child rlmmage PARTVII_TREATMENT OF YOIJT.IG OFFENDERS lmprisorunent of a child pmhibited X. n- Approved school 2E.

Approved school order 9.

Approved school order constitute s!fficient authoriLy for detention 30- Operarion ofappmved school order 31.
Recall after expiration ofapproved school order 32 Bail ofchild arrested 33- Child friling to observe conditions ofrecognisance Y.

Variation of conditions of rclease 35.

Association with adult deainees X. Appoinsnent of probation officen 37.

Parent ta pay fine i$tcad ofchild 3t.

Family support mit 9.

Remand homes 4- Remand horne order P.ARTVIII_RESPONSIBILTTIES OF PARENTS AND STATE INSTITUTIONS 41.
Respomibility of parem 4Z Parcntal righb 43- Responsibilities of sate hstitutions PAKT D( -+ARENTACE, GUARDIANSHIP, CUSTODY AND MAINTENANCE OF CHILDREN to child 44.

Confirmaionofpaentage 45.

Application for custody or acc€ss 4.

Unlarvfirl rernoval ofchild 47.

Application for nraintenane order iE.

Award ofmaintenaace orders 49- P€Eon entitled to receive and administer maintenance orders 50.

Duraion oforders il.

Variation or disclrarge oforder JZ Non-custodial pareut to have access to child 53.
Application for foster-care plac€ment tL Adoption application by fuer parcnt 55.

Appmved residential homes for chil&en 56.

A&nission of€hildrEn 57.

Parental responsibility for child in residenrial home for children inroApprovcd rcsideotial homcs for childrqn child in a residential home for childrcn n 5& Court may order a parent, guardian etc.

to coltribute to maimenance ofa 59.

Adoprion ofa child io a residential home for clildren 60. offences 61.
Applicarion for permit to operate day-care centre 62. lnspection ofdayrare c€ntres 63.

Existing day-care c€nte A. Offences PART X - EMPTDYIVIENT OF CHILDR E.^ I 65.

Emplolment of a ctild 6.

Childapprenticrship 6-1.

Children employed in indusrrial undertakings to be registered 6t- Offences P.ART XI_QUASI.JUDICTAL CHILD AD'UDICATION @.

70.

71.

72.

Minimum age of criminal resporxibility Child mediation panels Protecrion ofchild in n ediation Community guidance order.
PART XII - JUDICIAL CHILD ADJUDICATION AND COURT ORDERS 73.

Family and Chil&en's Courts 74- Jurisdiction ofFamily Corrt 75.

Family Court sittings 76.

Procedure at Family Court 77.

Righs ofchild at Family Court 78.

Publicarion ofinformation on child prohibited B.

Care order of court E0.

Supervision order ofCourt 81.

Duries ofprobation offcerand social welfare officer A- Home visit 83.

General provisiom on orders U.

Discharge of orders 85.

Care order and adopion 86.


Minimrun age of criminal resonsibility PARTXtr -MISCEI.,I-A}IEOUS Regulations Repeal and savings 88.

SCHEDULE No.

2022 Sierra Leone A BILL ENTITLED THE CHILD RIGHTS ACT, 2O22 Short title, B€ing an Act to repeal atrd r€plrce the ChiH Rights Act, 2007 (Act No.
7 of2007) and the ChiHren rnd You[g Pe6oDs Act, (Cap.14), to pmvide for the proootion ofthe rights oftte chiH in compliancr with the Cotrvention on the R[hb ofttc Child and to provid€ forotter relat€d mttters t1 EN^crED by the President and Members ofParliament in this pr€sent Parliamcnt assembled.

Date of com- mcrcemcnt.

\c The Child Rights Act, 2022 Int.rprclalion.

I .


In this Act, unless th€ context odterwise requires - PART I - PRELIMI}{ARY "adoption" means the legal transfer or vesring through a coui order of parcntal righrs to a person or Persons; "approved school" means a school esablished under section 27 or a place or institutioD declafed ro be an approvd school; "bare gathering" means araditional forum or gathering presided over by a raditiona!

or communiq* leader, open to all members of the communiry'.
including children trur does not includ€ a courq "Chairman" means frc Chairman of the ri'ard Child to in subsecrion (l) of lVelFare Courmittec referr€d section 16; "Charter' rneans A&ican Charter on the Righs and Welfrre ofihe Child wlrich entered iBto force on the 29t November.
1999: "child" meaos a p€rson below the age of l8years: "Commission" means the Natioual Commission for Childrcn established mdcr section 3; "Convention" means tlre Convention on the Rights of the Chil4 adopted by the Gemral Asse,mbly of the UnitedNatbm on 20dl Novesrb€r, 19E9, ib Optional Protocols of Eth Septemb€f 2000 and the African Charter on tte Righa and Welfare ofthe Child, I 99o: No.

7 he Child Rights Act.
2022 "Council" means th€ district council; "Coun" means the Family and Children's Coua referred to in sectio[ 73; "Executive Ser;retaqr" m€ans the Executive SecretaD/ of the Commission referred to in paragraph (h) subsection (l) of section 5; "female genital mutilation" includes fhe cutting or rcmoval of a part ofthe femal€ genitali4 "fbstcr parenl" means an aduh person who is not a biological or legal parcnt ofa child but iswilling to proyide car€ and support usually provided by the biological or legal parent and "foster" and "foster care" shall be construed accordingly; "hazardous labour" means labour which deprives a child of his heahlq edrration or development; "Minister" meatrs the Minister respoosible for children's aflairs ard "Ministry" shall be consrud accordingly; "national parents body" means a body comprising eleced representatives from duly recognised parent advocacy organisations; "probation ofhcer" means a person appointed as such under lhis Act and includes a deputy pmbdion officer or assistant probation ofEcer; "sewice provide/' meaos a person or body ofpersons licensed or othenrise cotrpeteot to provide services in h€alth, educatioq child developrnent orprotection and for tlre geaeral well-being ofchil&en; 4 Application of principle of bcst intcrcsts of the child- Nq The Child Rights Act, 2022 2 (l) The fundamental principle to be applied in the int€rpretation and administration of this Acr shall be fiat the short md longt€rm besr interess ofachild s$all beaprimary consideration irl any decision or aclion that may affect a child or cbildren.
(2) ln determining the best intercsts ofa chil4 a person, court or an authority shall take into accounl - (a) non-discrimination in the respect accorded to a child in the erjoyrnent ofhis righs; (b) the right to life and maximum survival and developmeat ofa child; (c) resp€ct for the views ofa child; and (O the spirit ofthe entire Convention and the Ctnrter.

The National Commissiotr for Childrcn.

Fulctions of Commission.

PART II_ CONTINUAIION OF T}IE NAIIONAI COMMISSION FOR CHILDREN 3.
(l) There shall continue in existence, the National Commission for Children as I body corporate having perpetual succession and capable of acquiring, holding and disposing of property, wlrther movable or immovable and of suing and being sued in is corporate name and, subject to *ris Act, of performing all sucb acts as bodies corporate may by Iaw perform.
@) The Commission shall have a connron sea!, the use of vihich shall be authenticated by the signatures ofthe Commissioner and, in his absence, any ofier member ofthe CommissioD designated in that behalf by the Commission.

4.
4.

(l) The object for *'hich the Commission is established isto- (a) monior and coordimte the implemeotation of the Convention and the Charter: N0 The Child Rights sct zo22 (b) organise and coordinate on an annual basis the holding ofa Child Parliament in order for children to aniculate their views: (c) overse€ the implementarion ofPafi III; and (d) advise Govemment oD policies aimed ar the improvernent ofthe conditioo or welfarc of children in Sierra Leone, compatible widr the Convention and the Charter.
(2) Withoul prejudice to the ge.nerality ofsubf€ction (l), it shall be the function of tle Commission to - (a) keep under review legislation and customary law practices rclating ro children with a view to advising Co!,€mment, where appropriare, to adopt legislation and odler measures so as to ensue their comparibility generaly wirh the principles and provisions of the Convention and the Charter, in panicrlar, the general prhciples contained in articles 2, 3, 6 and 12 of&e Convention; (b) undertake a progressive study and review of the principle of the best interesG of the childwith a view to advishg Govemment and other Sane imtitutions on the criteria for the application of that principle generally and in r€lation to particular circumsances having a bearing on the respect forrhe rigfrts of the child, including the right to be protected from economic exploitaion; 6 No.
The Child Riqhrs Act 2022 (c) contribute to tbe process of the decentralization of authorit' to the districts and other local levels with regard the pro- cess ofensuring that every child is rcgistered at birth, and has access to health care, reasomble shelter and &ee basic educatioo, including rhe provision of adequate school facilities, marerials and trained t€acheE i n the ruml areras; (d) seek and mobilize itrternational support towards the implementation of the Convention and the Charter by govem- mental and non-govemmental organizations, with special reference to the problem of discrirnination against women and children and the provision of facilities for tlre care and maintenance of children in difficult circumstances, and the prevention and proper man€enrent ofjuvenile delinquency; (e) undertake the wide dissemination ofthe Convention and lhe Charter generally and through professional training, adult education and child rights promotional act ivit ies aimed especial ly at dre registration ofbinhs, elimination offorced marriages for girls, female geaital mutilation, sexual abuse and economic exploitation of childrcn; (f) engage in advocacy for a just and progressive system ofjuvenile justic€, to advocate for the imprisonment of children as a neans'of last r€so( and lo promote the use of altematives to the imprisonment of childrcru as well a-s to advise Govemmelt with regard to bringing existing legislation into harmony with relevant intemational legal instrumeflts on juvenile justice; No.
The Child Rights .4ct 2022 '1 (g) issue reports.

including recomrnendations, on child rights in Sierra Leone; and (h) do all other things as will be conducive to the attainment of the object stated in subsection (l ).

5.
5.

(l) The Commission shall consist of the composirior Commissionel who shall be the head of the Commissioq and tlre of commirsion' following other members - (a) the Chief Director for children's aftin, Ministry of Gender and Children's Aftir; (b) a representative ofthe Ministry ofSocial Welfare.

not below rhe rank ofa directoE (c) a Paramount Chief.
eleaed by the Council of Chiefs; (d) a male and a femaie child rcpresentdive from tle Children's Forum Netwodr; (e) a representative from the Child Rights Cmlition in Sierra Leone; (f) a represe.native from the religiors coomrmity elected by the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra [,eone; G) a representative ofthe Bar Association of Sierra Leone nominated by the Bar Association of Sierra kone; and (h) the Executive Secrcrary, who shall serve as s€cretaDr to the Commission but does not have the right to vote.
8 No The Chiid Righ$ .4cr.
2{}22 (2) The Commissioner shall be appoirted by the President, from amongst persons with proven knowledge and experience in child rights maners, on the recorffnendation of the Minister subject to the approval of Parliament- 6 (l) Where the Chairman or a member ofihe Commission dies, rcsigns, is rcmoved Aom office or is absenl for a continuous period exceeding 3 moo0ls or is by reason ofillness unable to perform rhe fiurctions of his office for a continuous period of3 nronths, the members of the Commission shall.
in the case of - Iilting of vacancles.

(a) the Chairman, elect one of their number to act as Chairman until such time as the Chairman resumes office or another is appointed in his stead; and (b) a member, the Chairman shall subject to this A€t, have another person appointed or nominated to the Commission.

(2) Where a person is appoinrcd as Chairman or appointed as a member to fill a vacancy'.
he shall hold offrce for the remainder ofta rcrm of the previous Chairman or member, as the case may bc, and shall, subject to this Acr be eligible for re-appointrnent.

Tcnure of members 7.

(l) The Commissioner shall hold office for a term of 3 years and shall b€ eligible for re-appohtment for a firther term of3 years only'.
(2) A person shall cease to be a member of the Commission on any ofthe following grounds- (a) for his inabiliqv to perform the functions of his office by reason of infirmity of mind or body; (b) for proven misconduct; No The Child Nghts Ac,, 2022 9 (c) ifhe becomes bankrupt or insolvent; (d) if he is convicted of an offence involving fraud or dishonesty; (e) if he fails to attend 3 consecutive m€etings of the Commission without reasonable cause; (f) if he resigns his office by written notice to rhe Prssident & The Chairman and the otler mernbers ofthe Commission Remuoeration and any person coopted by tlre Boud under subsection (9) ofsection ol members.
9 shall be paid srch remunerdioq fees and allowarrces as Parliament may determine and shall be reimbursed by the Commission for expenses incurred in cormection with lhe discharge of rheir firnctions: Provided that a member who receives salary fiom the consolidated fund shall be entitled only to a siuing fee.

9.

(l) The Commission shall meet for the dispatch of s Mcqings.of business aJ lead once every rnon6 and at such time and place as the lommEslon.

Chairman may daermine.


(2) The quorum at any meeting ofthe Commission shall be6 (3) A question which is to be determined by the Commissio{r at any ofits meetings shall be decided by a majority of the members present aDd voting.

(4) The Commissioner shall pr€side ar €very meeting of the Commission and in his absence, tlre menrbers tresat shall appoint one oftheir number to preside.
(, A member shall have one vote but in the case ofan equatity of votes, dre Commissioner or the person presiding shall have a castrng vote.

t0 No.

The Child Rights Ac,, 2022 (O A majority ofthe members may.

b) notice in writing signed by tlrcrq rcquest the Commissioner to summon a special meeting of th€ Commission for such purposes:rs may be stated in &e notice.
(7) The Commissioner or, in his absence, the member appointed to act on his behalf shall suJnmon a special meeting within 5 days ofthe rcccipt ofthe notice refered to in subsecrion (6).

(8) A proposal circulated among all members and agreed to in vriting by a two-rhirds majority ofall members shall be ofthe same forc€ or effect as a decision madc at a duly constitutcd mecting of the Commission and shall be incorporated in tlrc minutes oftte next srcceeding mceting ofthe Commission: Provided tha!
if a member requires that such proposal be placed before a meeting ofthe Commissio+ this subsection shall not apply to such pmposal- (9) The Commission may ccopt a person to attend and in its delibcratiors on any matser but such p€rson shall pafiicipat€ not vote on any marer for decision by the Commission- (10) The Commission shall cause miuutes ofall its meetings to be taken and signed by the Commissioner and kept in proper form as a public record (l I ) Subject to this Act, the Commission shall regu.late is own procedrre.
10.

(l) A member of thc Commission who has any interesq whether direct or indircct in any mat&r being consid€red or to be consirleted by the Commission, shall disctose the natwe ofhis intertst o thc Commission and tte disclosurc stull be recorded in the minutes of the Commission ,nd such member shall not take pafi in any delitreration or decision ofthe Commission relating to dru matter.

Disclosure of intcrest- No The Child Rights Act.


2022 lt p) A member of the Commission who contravenes subsection ( I ) shall be guilty ofmisconduct and shall be liable to b€ removed from the Commission- ll.

(l) The Commission may, for the discharge of its commrrtee, finctions, appoint one or morc commitsees to perform such frrnctions of as the conunission may derermine. '

commrsrron (2) .A.
commrsrron (2) .A.

commince appointed under subsection (l), shall consist of members of the Corrmission or non-members or both as the Commission may decide.

(3) Without prejudice to tlrc generality ofsubsection (l ), the Commission shall appoint an audit committee consisting ofsuch nremben of the Commission, exctuding tlre Chairman, performing such functions as tl€ Commission may dercrmine.
(4) A committee shall submit a report of its proceedings lo the Commission at such time as the Commission may derermine.

PART III-IHE }-LJNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION t2.

isto- (l) The object for which the Commission is established Furclions of Comulisslon.
(a) monitor and coordinat€ th€ impleme arion of the Convention and fte Chartei (b) organise and coordinue on an annual basis the holding ofa Child Parliament in order for children to aniculat€ their views; (c) oversee rte implemenration of Pat lU ofihis Acq and (d) advise Govemment on policies aimed a rhe improvement ofthe condition or welfare of children in Si€rra Leone, compatible with th€ Convention and the Charter.

12 No The Child Rights Act.


2022 (2) Without prejudice to the generality ofsubsection (t ), it shall be the llnction ofthe Commission to - (a) ke€p under review legislation and customary law practices relating to children with a view to advising Government, where appropriate.

to adopt legislation and odrer measures so their compatibility generally with as to ensu€ the principles and provisions of the Convention and the Charter.
in particular, the general principlescontained in articles 2.3, 6 and 12 ofthe Convedion: Q) urdertake a progressive study and review of rhe principle ofthe best interests of the child with a view to advising Govemment and other State institutions on the criteria for the application of that principle generally and in relation to particular circumsances having a bearing on tbe respect for the rights of the child, including the right to be protected fromeconomic exploitation; (c) contribute to the process of the de- cenFalization ofau&ority to the districs and oiher local levels with regard the process of ensuring that every child is registered at birth, and has access to health care, reasonable shelter and free basic educaion.
including tie pmvision of adequate school facilities, materials and trained teachers i n dre rual areas; (d) seek and mobilize intemational support toward the irplem€nhtion ofdr Convention and the Chart€r by govem-m€ntal and non- govemmental organiztions, with special to the problem of discrimination referenc€ Ntr The Ch d Rights Ac., 2022 l_1 against women and cbildr€n and the plov!sion of facilities for the care and maintenance of children in difiicult cir- cumstances, aDd the prevention and proper managemenl ofjuvenile delinquency; (e) undertake the qide dissemination of the Convention and the Charter generally and through professional training, adult education and child rights promotional activities aimed espocially at the regisfration ofbirths, eliminalion offorced marriages for girls, female genital mutilatiorl sexual abuse and economic exploitation of children; ($ engage in advocacy for a just and progressivesystem of juvenile justice, to advocare for the imprisonrnent of children as a means oflast resort and to promots th€ use of altfilatives to the imprisdEl€nt ofchildren- as *ell as to advisc Govemment with rcgard to bringing existing legislation into harmony with relevant inHratioml l€al insmrments on juvenile justice; (g) issue repons.
including re€oflmendations, on child rishts in Sierra l,eone; and (h) do all other things as will be conducive to the attainment of the object stated in subsection (l).

PART TV.ADMINISTRATION OF THE COMMISSION.

13.

(l) The Commission sha.ll have a secretariat which shall s.crdatier of ommission' be responsible for - i4 No.

The Child Rights Acr.

2,022 (a) implementing the decisiom and directives of the Commission; (b) providing administrative, secretarial and o6er support to dre Commission.
(c) initiating and maintahing highJevel contact with local ard interncional child welfrre and development stakeholders; (d) preparing the annual budgets and repors of the Commission.
(2) The Secretariat shall be headed by an Executive Secreury who shall be responsible to the Commission for managing the Secretariat and keeping records of the Commission including uking and keeping minutes ofthe meetings oflhe Commission- (3) The S€cretariat shall have, in addition to the Executive-Sccretary, such other officers and staffa may be necessar y._ for the proper discharge ofthe functions ofthe Secretariat under this AcL (4) The Execwive Secretary and staff under subs€ction (3) shall bc appointed by the Public Service Commission upon such terms and conditions of service as the Commission may determine- Regional and 14.
(l) The Secretariat shall be established in each of the j|U:.

:fif; administrarive regiom and districts of Sierra l,eons such regional and district offices of the Secretariat as the Commission may &tennirc.

(2) A regional or district office established under subsection ( I ) shall be under the supervision ofSecretariar, perform such functions as the Commission may determine and shall be provided wirh such officers and saff as may be necessary for the proper and effectiv€ performance of its flrnctions- No.
The Child Rights Act 2t27 l5 15, An omcer or employee of the Secrctariat or any person prolection of acting on the dircction ofan ofFcer or €mployee ofthe Ses€lariat otfice6 and shall not be liable in respect ofany mafter ordring done by him unOer !$f,'or.., thisAc1 in good hith.

of secrctala!

PARTV{HILD WELFARE FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL COMMITTEES A\D DISTRICT COUNCILS 16.
(l) There shall be esrablished in each Ward thrcughout ward child Sierra teone, a ward Child Welfare Comminee wtrictr sha]l k }"",lllii,"" responsible o (a) advaoce and monilor the enjoym€nt ofthe rights ofthe child at ward level; (b) promote child rights awareness and enjo)ment, in the ward: (c) subnit regular observations, reports, and concems on child welfare to the Secretariaq (d) monitor the advancemeot of girl child education: (e) determine lhe suitability ofa person to foster a child and monitor all foster placements within the ward; (f) report domestic violence and all forms of gender based violencc to the Secr€tariat or the police; @) provide adviceto children, parcnb and other communiry members in promoting tre short and long t8rm best intercsts ofthe childl (h) issue recommendations and instuctions on the maintenance and support ofa particular childor childrcn within the uard; r6 No.
The Child Rightt ..lcr.

2022 @ consider complains and concems referred to il by an adult or child concerning the welfare of a child in the rvarr!

; f) undertake other functions that may advance the enjoymenr of tlle righ^rs of the child within the comm iuee's j urisd iction.
(2) The Ward Child Welfare Committee ,.rnder subsecion (l) slnll consis of- (a) a social services oflicer responsible for children ar the district level; O) araditional chief; (c) an officer fiom Family Support Unit; (O a parents' rcpresentativei (e) a representative Aom the local council; and (f) a male and female child.

(3) The Ward Child Welfare Committee shall elect a Chairman fiom amongst its rrumber.
(4) A social welfare officer under paragraph (a) of subsection (2) shall serve as secretary to the Ward Child Welfare Crmmitee.

(g Amemberof the Whrd Child Welfare Committee shall hold office fora term of2 years and shall be eligible for re-appoinment for a finther term of2 years only.

17.
17.

A district council shall promote the *€lfare and pmtect the rights ofchildren within ia area ofauthority and shali ensure that withh the disti6t, coordinate the responses ofgovemmental ageacies in mattersconceming children ircluding dirccting, wtere there is reasonable grounds to susp€ct child abuse or a ne€d for care and protection ofa child - District council to protect children.
No Tk Child Rights Act, 2022 ti (a) a probation ofrccr or social rvelfare officer accompanied by the police ro enter and search premises; (b) a probation ofEcer or the social *el fare office to- @ refer a matter to the appropriale authorities for funher action; (if remove the child to a place ofsafery for a period not exceeding 7 days; (i) bring a child before a court to corunit a child to an approved residential home or to lhe care of a probation office1 social welfare officer or another suitable person.
PART VI_ RICHTS OF A CHILD lE.

A child has the right to - Rights of a child.

(a) Iife, survival and developmer lo tlE maximun extent possible; (b) a name, right from birth; (c) acquire a nationaliry; (d) know his naoral parents and extanded family; (e) live with bis parents and family unless, prohibited by a court on lhe grounds that living with his pu'ens would - I8 Nq The Child Rights AcL 7022 (i) lead to signiticant harm to the child: (!
subject the chi:d to serious abuse; or (iio rot be in the bsst intercst of tie child; (0 grow up in a caring and peaceful environmenl; G) tfie estare ofhis parent.

u,herher or not bcm in wedlock; (h) exprcss an opinion.

to be listened to and to be given due weight in accordance wit.h the age and maturit_v of the child: @ participate in decisions which affect his welfrre; O participate in- (D sports; G) positive culnrrdl and adistic activities; or (iD other leisure activities.
Child in ne€d of cde snd protection.

19.

(l) A child who - (a) is an orphan or is deserted by his parents and relatives: (b) has been neglected or ill-treated by the person whb has the care and custody ofthe cbild; (c) has a parent or guardian who does not exercise proper guardianship: No.

fhe Child Rights -4ct, 2022 t9 (d) destituie; (e) under the care ofa parent or guardian who- by reasoo of criminal or drunken babits.
is unfit to have custody ofthe child; (0 found - (i) wandering and has no hom€ or settled place of abode or visible means of subsistence; (ii) begging or ra;eiving alrns.
wheber or not there is an)- pretence of singing, playing performing offering anyhing for sale or ottrerwise; or (iii) in a st€et, premises or place for the purpose of begging or receiving alms; (g) accompanies a person when tlrat penon is begging or receiving alms, $he&er or not there is any pretence of signing, playin& performing offering anlthing for sale or otherwise; &) frequents the company ofa reputed thief or reputed prostitutel (i) is residing il a house or the part ofa house used by a prostitute for the purpose of prmtitution; or ft) is otherwise living in circumstaoces calculated to cause.
encourage or favour the seductjon or prostitution of or affect the moralifr, ofthe childi No.

Tle Ckld Rights Act.

2022 @ is a person in rclation to $.hom an offence has been committed or attempted under lhe Anti-Human TrafEcking Act, 2005i (m) is found acting in a marmer from which it is reasonable to susp€ct Olat he is, or has been, soliciting or importuning for immoral purposes: (n) is otlrcr*ise exposed to moral or phlsical danger.
@) A child shall not be considered to be in need ofcare under paragraphs(g), (h) and (i) ofsub'section (l), if- (a) only, that dle child associxes with is his mother; and O) it is pmved $ar the mother exercises proper guardianship and care to protect the child ftom comlpt inflrrnces.

r.rrofa '.

::led child 20.

(! )


A disabled child has a right to special care, education and training \vhercver possible to develop his maximum potential and be s€tf-r€liant (2) A person shall not treat a child witb disability in an undignified manrcr.

:r:Shr of a .

..: d bom r ii-lention 21.

(l) A child born ia &tention has a right to special care, educaion and training to develop his ma:dmum potential and be seli rclia .
(2) A child bom in detantion shell be handed ov€r to - (a) his fder; or O) a relative ofeitter the modter or faiter- No.

Thc Child Rights Act.

2072 2l p) Wtrre the father ofa child bom in detention cannot be raced or is unwilling to take the child or a reladve of either the motier or fatber is unwilling to take the child, the Minister shall, subject to xction 79, place the child under a foster-care.

,'r.
,'r.

A child has the right to b€ pmkcted from recruirnert in tughts of child the armed forces or any other kind ofviolent conflicrs.

in coun' 23.

0) A child.

in Cortrt, has a right to- (a) Iegal rcpresentation in Court; O) give an account and express an opinion; (c) where nec€ssary, call witnesses in his defence; (d) privacy throughout th€ proceedings in Court C2) TIte court shall e)elain tlr€ rigbt of app€al Court and to his parcnt or gurdiaL to a child itr Z.
( I ) A person shall not suliect a child to - (a) toturre, olher cruel, inhuman or degrading Protection ftom torturc, dcgr.ding trcatment, treatrn€nt or prmishment including culnral m*#," hazardous practice thar dehurunises or is [rr;*,f ' injurious to the labour and physical and mental welfarc ofa child; (b) corporal punishment; (c) hazardous labour; (o marriage of*lutever kind if the child is m&r rhe qe of 18 years or force a child to be betrothed or the subject of a dowry transaction; 2 No.

Th.
Th.

Child Righb A.t 2t)22 (e) other harmful practices including - (D fernale g€ ital mutilation; CO cuhism; (iD child initiation; (iv) physical torare and cruelt),.

(3) The correction ofa child is notjustifiable if- (a) it is unrcasonable in kind or in degree according to the age, physical and mental condition ofthe child; and &) the child is, by reason of render age or odrerwise, incapable of understandin_e the purpnse of the correction.
(4) A person or associatiotr who contravenes subseation ( I ), commirs an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not less ttan 5,OO0.q) I-eones or imprisonmcnt for a term ofnot less than 2 years or to both such fine and imprisonment.

(, Nonvi&standing any law to the contrary, acertificate, licence or registration shall not be granted in respect ofa marriage responsible olficer is satisfied that the mleBs the Registrar or oth€r parties to the marri€e are oftlrc age ofmarriage.
(6) A person who cont-avems subsection (5), commit an otrrnce ad is liable on convidion to a fine ofnot less than 5,000,000.00 L,eones or imprisonment for a aerm not less than 2 years or to both such fim and imprisonment- Olllcr soc,al r.!po0sibrliti.s to 3 child, No.

The Child R*!h!s.4ct, 20)2 5.


(l ) A childshall be - (a) brought up and be educaed to take pride in his culture and national identity; ft) provided tbe opportunity to leam at least one indigenous Sien-a Leonean language ftom primary school level; (c) rendered appropriate direction and guidance on tmdition and cultura.l standards h tie adYalcemeDt of the child's oryn curent aDd future *elfare, the resp€ct of parents and elders, tbe welfare of others, his family, society.
his country, and humanity in geneml: (d) accorded an opponunity to- (i) contribute towards family cohesion; G) respect parents and other persons; (ii) exhibit diligence towards studies and worlq aod (iv) strengrh€n the positive cultural values of his commu ty.
(2) A person or association that prevents a child from participating in an aoivity specified in subs€ction (l) commit an offence and is tiable oll conviction to a fine ofnot l€ss than 5,000.00 Leones or imprisonment for a term not less than 2 yeals or to both sucb fine and imprisonment.

24 No.

The Child Righrs AcL 2022 lmprisorfia{ of a child prohibitcd.

PARTVII_TREATMENT OF YOUNG OFFENDERS 26.


(l) A child shall not be sentencrd to impisonment unless (a) the offenc€ is murder, manslaughter, mason, a cyber or sexual offence; or O) the court considers that other altemative punishment under this Act or any orher Act is unsuitable in the circumstanc€s.
(2) A child sentenced to imprisonment under subsection (llshall be sent to - (a) an approved school if he has not atained the age of l8years; and (b) a correctional centre, inmediately on his athinment of the age of l8yars, to serve his remaining term of imprisonmenl .

Approvcd school.

7.

The Minister may establish an approved school in such Disf'rcts or areas in Sierra Leone as he may d€em appropriate and appoint fit and proFPr persoo or persons to nunage an approved school.
AFprovcd 28- (l) Where a child is conviaed for an offence punishable school order w h imprisonment the Court may issue an appmved order commiring tbe child bc to in an appmved school until he auains the age of l8 years or for any slrorter period: Pmvided &atdE child shall not be committed to an appmved school for a shorter period than 2 years, mless at the ttne ofthe order the child is overtte age of I7 years in u{rich case the order for mmmittal shall be for the period until zuch person attain the age of l8 years.
(2) An approved school ord€r made under subsection ( I ), shall speci!- No.

The Child Rights Act.

2022 5 (a) dre approved school to t'hich the child is to be 5ent; and O) the person who is to be responsible for conveying him to the approved school- (3) A certified copy ofan approved school order shall be delivered tc tie person r€sponsible for conveying the child to the approved sc'hool who shall, in tum deliver the approved school order to the manager.

29.
29.

(l) An appmved school order shall be sufficient authodty for the detention of dle child in the school according !o Ole teDure.

i2) A child whilst deained at an approved school in accordance with this Act or \,}irilst being conveyed to or from tlre approved school shall be deemed ro be in legal custody and if h€ escapes.

he may be apprehcnded rvithout r"rmnt and bmught back lo the approved school.
(3) A person *to knowingly assists or induc€s a child to escape &om an approved school or knowingly harboun or conoeals a child who has escaped or prevens him ftom retuming, commib an offencc and is liable on conviction lo a fine not exce€ding 5,000-00 Leones or to imprisonment for a term ofnot less tran 3 months or to both such lme and imprisonmenl Approved schooi ordct constitutcs sufficient althoriry for detention.

30.
30.

(l) The op€61ion of an approved school or&r may be opc&rioa of suspended pending rhe completion of #angemens for rfre recnton flf$ifl, ofthe child into an approved school, oron account ofhk ill-health or for other good and sufiicienl reason, and in such a c6€, the court may remand him in custod).

or may order him to be committ€d to the care ofa fit and proper person willing to undertake such custody, or may release him on bail.
(2) A child sent to an approved schml shall after the expiration ofthe period ofhis detention be under the supervision of the manager of his school until b-e attains the age of l8 years.

% No The Child Righx .4ct 2422 (3) Where the manager ofan approved school is satisfied that it is in lhe best intercst of a cbild under supervision thar the child should be recalhd to the school.

the manager shall make an application to th€ cotrt for an order autlrorising h im to recall rhe ch ild to tlle appmved school.
(4) Notice of an application shall be served on a child whom it is intended to rccall and on the parent or guardian ofth€ child to give him and the parcnt or guardian as the case may be an opportmity ofbeing present at the hearing in Court (5) Where, after hearing the manager ofthe school.
and after hearing what, ifany&ing, the child in respect ofwhom the order is sought and his parent or guardian have to sa): the court is ofthe opinion thar it is in the b€st interest of rhe child that he should be recalled, the court shall make an order accordingly, authorising dre rnanager to recall the child lo the approved school, and the manager may recall the child to the appmved school.
(6) Where a child in respect ofwhom an order has been made under subsection (4), hils to obey the order without la*drl excuse, he may be appreh€nded without wan-ant and taken ro the approved school.
(7) A child who has been recalled shall be released as soon as tbe manager thinls tlut he can properly be released and in no case sba.ll he b€ detained afler he has attained the age of I 8 years- (8) Where the manager ofan appmved school is satisfied rhat a child *tose period of detention therein is about to eryir€ neeG firthercare ortrahing he rny, with the appmval ofthe Minister and subjed to the order ofthe cowt, detain him for a further period the date upon which he not exceeding 12 months and not b€yond attEins fhe age of I Ey€ars.
N(} the Chit,l Righrs Acr, 20x2 3l.
Where dre rnanager ofan approved school is satisfied &a1 a person committed to the school is of unruly or depra\cd character rhat is undesirable that he should remain at the school, h€ may cause lhe child to be brought b€fore a Court havingjurisdiction in the plac€ where rhe school is situated or before tie Coun which made the approved school order, and tlle Court may in respect of such child make an order which could have been legalty made by the committing Court under this Act, for a chitd to be - n oipiration of approvcd school ordcr- (a) removed from one approved school to another.
(b) released from an approved school on condition that the child shflU live under the charge of a trustrf,'orthy and respectable person narned in the order ofrelease willing to rEceive and take charge ofhim and to keep the ctild ernployed at sorne rade, occupation or calling.
32, rlhere a child is apprehended widr or without a warranr ana 1Ll "f cannot b€ brought beforc a court the officer in charge of the police fl$"3 station to which l}|e child is brought shall, mless - (a) the charge is one of murd€r or an oftnce punishable wirh imprisonment for a term exceedbg 7 yean; (b) it is necessary, in the inter€sd of such child lo remove him from association with an m&sinble person; or (c) the ofEcer has reason to bclieve that the release ofthe child would defeat the ends of justice, 18 No- The Child Righ,s Act 1022 release the child on a recognisance being entercd into by him or his parent or guardian- or other responsible per'-<on- u.ith or rvithour sureties for such amount as u,ill, in the opinion ofthe officer, secure &e anendance of rhe child upon hearing ofrhe charge, child failmg 33.
(r) where the cowt before which a child is r.:unc by lo olrlerve .iJtilr.

"r recognisance is satisfied by information on trath that the child has rccognisance.

failed to observe any ofthe conditions ofthe recogrisalce.

it may issue - (a) a warrant for his apprehension: or (b) a summons to the child and his sureties requiring him or rhem 1o attend at such court and at such time as malr be specified in the summons.
@) A child apprehended under p:ragraph (a) of subsection (l), shall, ifnot brought before the court betbre which he is bound by recognisance, be brought before any other court.
(3) A court before which a child on apprehension is brought or before which he app€ars in pursuance of a summons under paragnph (b) ofsubsection ( I ), may, ifit is not the court before which he is bound by recognisance, remand him to custody or on bail until he can be brought before &e court before which he is bound by recognisance.
(4) A court, before which a person is bound bv recognisance, on being satisfied ttat he has failed to observe a condition ofthe r$ognisance, may forthwith deal with him as for the original offence.

y'iriation of )olditions of elcrse.

34.

Acourt before which achild is bound bythisAct to appear to be further deah with may, after notice to the child and his parent or guardian - {-a) vary the conditions ofthe recognisance: and i\(I The Child Nghts .,icr.
2022 (b) if satisfied that fie corduct of the child has been such as to malie it necessary t.hal he should remain longer under supervision.

discharge the recogn isance D 35.

The officer-in-charge ofa correctional centre shall make Association arrangements for preventing so far as practicable, a child wtife in |jfl,flil custod)'.

&om associating with adult detainee.

Appointmenl of probadon olficers- i6.


(l) The Minister ma)', by statuiory instn"ment, appoinl a fit and proper pent'n or persons to be a probation ofEcrr or officers for cach Districl or area where an approved school is established under section 2?
and may from time to time appoint a deputy probation ofiicer for a district or area to act in the abs€nce or during the illness or incapacity ofthe probation officer or officers, and may appoint an assistant probarion officer to perform under the dir- ection ofthe probation ofticer all or any ofthe duties ofa probation officer in a pan ofthc disrrict or afea.
(2) A probation ofhcer appointed under subsedion (l ), shall be subject to tbe contsol ofthe court for the district or area for nbich he is appointed- (3) A recognisance entered into under section 32 shall, if the court so orders.

contain a condition that the offender be under the supervision of a person narned in the order during the pcriod specified in the order and such other conditions for securing srrh supervision as may be spccified in the order.
(4) The prerson named in a probation order shall be - (a) a probation oftictr apinted by the Minister for the district or area for wlrich the court acts; i{,) No.
The Child Rights Act, ).o22 (b) a probation ofiicer appo inted by the N.{inister for some other districg ifihe Court considers il expedient on accounl of the place of residence ofthe offender or for any spec ial I",ason; or (c) a penon who has b€ €n appointed a probation officer for a district or area, if the court considers thal the special circumstanccs of the case render it desirable or if a probarion of,hcer has not becn appointed.
(5) The person named in a probation order may at any time be relieved ofhis duties" end in any such case or in any case of the dearb ofthe person so narned, another person may b€ substitut€d by the coun before which the offender is bormd by his recognisance to appear for conviction or scnt€nce.
(O lt shall be th€ duty ofthe probation ofhcer, subject to the control ofthe court, to - (a) visit or receive reports fiom the person under supervision at such rcasonable intervals as may be specified in the probation order or subject thereto as the probation officer may think fit; (b) se€ that the person under superyision observes the conditions ofhis recognisance; (c) report to the Coud as to the behaviour ofthe prson under supervision; and (d) advise, assist and befriend the person under supervision and when necessary to endeavour to find him employrnent- il Parent to pat finc iost€ad of child.
No The Child Rights Act.

2022 3?.
(l) Where a child has been found guilty ofan offence for which a fine, compensation or costs may be inpo,sed, and the court is of the opinion that the case would b€ best met by fte imposition ofa fiIle, compensation or costs, ttle court mav order that the hoe, compensation or costs awarded be paid by the parent or guardian of the child instead of by the child unless the court is satisfied lhaf the parent or guardian cannot b,e found or that rhe childhas not committed the offence on accormt of the parent or guardian negleaing to exercise due care oftlrc child.
(2) An order under subsection ( I ) may be made against a parent or guardian who, having tien required to atrend has failed to do so, but an order shall not be made without giving tle parent or guardian an opportunity of being heard.

(3) Sums imposed and ordered to be paid by a parent or guardian under subsection (l) may be recovered by disrress- (4) A parent or guardian may appeal against an order under subsection ( I ) lo the High Court.

38.
38.

Child offenders and cases involving child victims of Fathily to the Famity i,11I" domestic violence and child abuse may be r€fer€d Support Unit ofthe Sierra lrone Police.

39.

(l) The Minister may establish renrand homes in such Districs or areas in Sierra Leone as he may deem appropriate and appoht fit and proper peson or p€rsons to manage a remand homes.

Rcmand homes.
Rcmand homes.

(2) The Minisrer may, by statutory instumeng make rules for the - (a) running and management ofremand homes; (b) inspection, classificatioD, Eeatrne4 employment, and control of children detained h custody in remand homes: and (c) visitation ofchildren in remand homes Remaod home order No.

The Child Rights Act.

2022 40.


(l) An order in respect ofwhich a child is committed to custody in a remand home shall be delivered with t€ child to the person-in charge of the remand home and shall be sufficient authority for his dete0tioE in rhe home in accordance wilh the tenure.

@) A child, while detained and being conreyed to and fiom the remand home shall be deemed to be in legal custod)'.
(3) A child u&o escapes fiom a remand home ma;v be apprehended without warrant and brought back thereto- and a p€rson *fio knowingly assists or induces a child to escape.

or knorvingly harbours or conceals a child who has escaped.
or prevents him from returning to the r€mand home, ccmmits an offerce and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 5,000.00 Leorrs or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both such fine and imprisonment- PARTVIII.RESPONSIBILITIES OT PARENT AND STATE INSTITUTIONS Resmsibtlit] of parcnl 41.
(l) A par€nt shall not deprive a child of his welfare whether the parcrts ofthe child - (a) are married or not at the time of the childs birth; or O) continue to live togethrr or not @) A parent shall - (a) prote€t the right to life, dignity, rcspect, leisure, liberty ofhis child; (b) provide health services, including immunisation against diseases, education and shelter for his child; No.
The Chil.t Rights Act 2022 (c) protect lbe ch ild ftorn neglecl, discrimination, violence, abuse, exposure to physical and moral hazards and oppression; (d) provide good guidance, carc, assistame and maintenarce for the child and assurance of the child's survival and dev€lopment; and (e) ensure the reeistmtion oflhe birth ofhis child and thar the names of both parents appear on the birth certificate except when the father of the child is unknown to the mother- (3) A parent is bound by the respomibilities to his child under subsection (2), utether imposed by law or otherwise.
except where he has surrendered such responsibiliries in rtordance with law, to ensure lhat in rhe temporary absenc€ of a pareft, the child shall be carcd for by a competent person and tha a child under lE months ofage shall only be cared for by a permn of 18 years and above.
42 (l) A prent shall, in relation m other persons, have,* :L"J:' regard his chil4 the right, subject to the short-and lotrg-{€rm best intercsB ofthe child, to - (a) have the child live with him orrcgulate the child's residence; O) control and guide the child's upbringing; (c) maintain personal relaions, ifihe ctild is not living with him; (d) acr as the child's legal representatiye regarding the child's property and other interests; No The Chiltl Rights Ac.. 2022 (e) appoint or revoke a guardian for the child, subject ro the approval ofthe couni (fl have access to acceptable parenting Programmes: (g) participate in child *.elfrre committees, courq and other proceedings related to dre child- @) Nonvi$sunding subseaion (l).
a parent shall have lhe right to apply to tie court to prevent a co-parcnt from asserting his rigbs.

G) Where a parent makes an application io prevent a co- (2), the court shall parent fiom asserting his rights under subs€ction grant the application .

if it is satisfied that the exercise of parental rights by the respondent may harm the best interests ofthe child.
(4) A parent bearing disproportionate burden in his care ofhis child due to the neglect ofparental duties by a co-parent may apply to the Court for financial or other relief.

Responsibili(ics of stale insitutions.

43.

(l) The Ministry.
in collaboration with other Ministries and relerant sgkeholdes, shall promote the enjoymem ofchildren's rights and welfare throughout Sierra Leone and in particular, shall - (a) monitor- supervise and coordinate the a$ivities and programs of- @ child welfare committees in mder to emure the progressive advanc€ment of children's rights and rvelfarc thmughout Si€rra Leone; (ii) non-governmental organisations and commun ity -based organisatiom involved in child protection in Sierra Leone; Na The Child Rights Acr, 2022 i5 O) undertake research on the welfare ofchildrcn in Sierra [,eone: (c) provide adminisbarive and logistical support including training for the effective frrnctioning ofrhe child *elfare commitlees; (d) implement policies and programmes for childcare sewices to help working par€nts carry oul employment and other work-rclated obligations and necessary activities without unnecessarily harming the best inlerests of the child; (e) retrder expert advice and guidance to child welfare ccrmminees and respond to inquiries &om child wellare commiuees; (f) receive and review periodic reports fiom chiH welfare commiuees at all levels; Q) prepare and submh ro thc Minister an annual report on the status and welfare of childrcn in Sierra Leone whicb shall be laid in Parliament as soon as practicablc; and (h) faciliBte information-sharing andn€lworking of child welfare commiuees.
(2) A military or parafliliary institution ofthe state shall not - (a) recruit or conscrip or permil such reouitnent or conscriptim ofa child imo military or pma- military service: 36 No The Child Rights .4cr.

2022 (b) use or permit the use of land m ines and oth er w€apons declared by international in- slruments to be adverse to children.
(3) A district, city or town council shall plan and implement participatory activities that improve lhe welFare of children and in particular, shall - (a) provide formal and informal educational facilities for children at every level; (b) actively promote dre education ofchildren in rheir respective localities; (c) increase acc€ssibility and affordability of health-care and sanitation for children: (d) monitor places fiequented by neglected, abandoned, disadvantaged, abused or orphaned children and assist in their positive relocation and development.
(4) A head ofward shall receive and discuss matt€rs that affect or may affecl lhe common welfare ofchildren in the r}zrd and rcfer to a ward cbild wclfare committee any mafier conceming child welfare that is complex or which the community is unable to resolve- (5) Aservice povider includingaheahh workeg teacher, social development worker and other governmental ard non- governmental sewice provider shall discharge his duties to childr€'n and communities with diligene, fuimess, without being sr,v"ayed by personal intercst and withou.
discrimination, resp€cting people's dignity and worth, taking into account the short and long term int€ress ofthe cbil&en and in particular, shall - (a) advise parenb and communities on matteE that shall be referred to a child welfare committee; No.
The Child Rights Acr, 7022 3't (b) render child health and development advice to adolescfls, expecrart parents, and other parents taking into account the develop- mertal stage of0te child concemed; (c) account to m€mbers of the community for which he is officially responsible on the discharge of his duties in the promotion of child survhal, development, particiption and protection; (d) report sexual and other forms of abuse to ftmily support uoits ofthe Sie[a Leoo€ Police to maintain a register wbo shall be requir€d ofchild abusers and to take special measurcs to pmtect children from such persons.
PART IX_PARENTAGE, GUARDI,ANSHIB CUSTODY AND MAINTENANCE OF CHILDREN 4.

(l) An order to confirm rhe parenrage made by the court oo an application by any ofthe following penons child may be :ililTi*:l -ofa (a) the child; (b) tbe parcnt of a child; (c) tlrc guardian ofa child; (d) a probation officeq (e) a social scrviocs officeq or (f) any o&er interested person, (2) An applicati@ for an order to confirm tre prrentage ofa child under subsection ( l) may be mad€ - t8 No.

Th.
Th.

Child Rights Act 2022 (a) before the child is born: (b) within 3 yean after the dearh ofthe father or motherofachildt (c) before a child is l8 years: or (d) with special leave oftte coun.
after the child has attained 18 years- (3) The court shall make such order as it considers appropriate, m confirm the parenrage ofa child on the basis of the evidence before it including - (a) tfie result ofan alleged parent's medical tesq (b) the name ofth€ parent entered in rhe rcgister of binhs; (c) performance ofcustomary ceremony by the father ofthe ctild: (d) refi$al by the parent to submit lo a medical test; (e) published acknowledgement of parentage; and (D any other matter that the court consideB relevant.
Application fnr custody ol acc6s to child.

45- (t) A parent, family member or a person who - (a) is raishg a child may apply to a court for custody ofthe child; or (b) has been caring for a child may apply to a court for periodic access to a child.
NG The Child Nghrs Act, 1022 39 e),A mun shall, inmakinganorder forcusodyoraccess toa child, consider the H interests ofthe child and the importarrce ofa young child being with his mother and shall also consider - (a) the age ofrhe child; (b) that it is preferable for a child to be with his if his righb arc persistendy pare[A exc€pt being abused by his parcnts; (c) rhe views oftlrc child, ifthe views have been independently given; (d) that it is desimble to keep siblings togetheq (e) the need for continuity in thecarc and control ofthe child; and (f) any other matter that the court considers releva .
46.

A person rtro unlawfully removes a child ftom anolher unra*ful person who has the lawful custody ofthe child commits an offence rcmoval of and is liable on convictior to a fine of not less than 5,0@-00 t rones or imprisonment for a term of not less than 2 yeaIs or to bod such fine and imprisonrnent.
eild' coun lbr a maintenalce order for tbe child including - (l) A penon who hascustody ofachildmay apply to the ApPlicalion mainterajrce ordcr- (a) a parent ofthe child; (b) the guardian oftte child; or (c) any olter persoo.

(d) tlr€ child by his next Aiend; (e) a probation ofhcer; or ($ a social welfire offrcer.
40 NG The Child Rights AcL 2022 (2) An applicatioo for mainlenance may be made against a person rrio is legally liable to maintain a child or contribute rowards the maintemnce ofdE child and in such form as rhe Mini*er may bv $atutory inslrument prcscribe (3) The Court slnll, in making a maintenance order for th child under subsection (l), comider - (a) any social enquiry repon on the issue of maintenance beforc it, for considerarion r€quested by the court to be prepared by a pmbation ofEcer, protection officer or social services offcer; (b) the income and wealth ofboth parents ofthe cbild orofthe person legally liable to mainmin the child; (c) any impairment of the eaming capacity of the person legally I iable to maintain &e child: (d) the financial responsibility of the person legally liable with reslrct to tlre maintenance oforher children; (e) the cost oflivitrg in the area where the child is resident (0 the rights ofthe child under this Ach and (g) any other matter which a court considers relevanl, (4) An application for a maintenance order shall be comistent with the Matrimonial Causes Acq (C@ 102), and no action may be brought for a maintenance order if-an application for maiotenance is pending in matrimonial proceedings under the Matrimonial CausesAcl No.
The Child Rights Act.

2022 (5) The ChiefJusrice may.

by orrder, waive part or all ofthe filing fees or other fees payable for a maintenancc order.

4t 4.

(l) A Court ma-v award maint€na[ce to tre modEr of a Au'ad oi child, rvhether married to the father or not, where fte father has b€etr mamlenanir la*.tully identified Ofder!. '
(2) When considering an application for maintenance, a court may make a maintenance order which it considers reasonable for a child in the household including- (a) medical expenses for the duration ofher pregnanry, detivery or death ofthe child; (b) a periodic allowance for the maintenaDce of th€ mother during her period of pregnancy and for a funher priod of 9 monrhs after the delivery ofthe child; and (c) the payment of a reasonable sum to be determined by the court for the continued education ofthe molher ifstrc is a child herself.
(3) A Court may order - € (a) a periodic palrnent or lrlrnp sum payment for of a child and 2096 of the the maintenan€ eamings ofthe person who is legally liable to maintain the child miy .be atrached atrd rhe attachm€nl order shall be af,plicable in all cases of failure to pay maintelance; (b) for arrcars ofmaintenance agains a perscn legally liable to pay mahtenance.
(4) An action rnay be broryht b)' a parent, a person vho has custody ofa child or any other person legally liable to maintain the ehild, to onforoe 6 maintcnance ord.r 30 &ys aftrr thc order is made or due.

a Pcrson entitlcd ro adminislcr maintcnancc ordcts.

N0.

lhe Child RiFhts Act 21t22 49.

(l) A person who has custody of a cbild who is the subjecr ofa maint€name order is entitled to receive and administer the maintenance order ofthe court.

(2) Where the paren!


guardian or whoever has custody ofa child ceases to be a fit person to receive ard adnrinister the maintenance order, ahc court ofthe alea v,'here the chrld is resident may appoinl another person to hav€ custody of the chil,l und administer the mainenance order and that person shali act as if originally appointed by rhe court.
Duration of ordcr 50- 0) A maintenance order made by a Court shall expire when the child attains the age of l8 ycars or dies before that age and shall lapse before the child anains *re age of 18 years, ifbefore that age the child is gaintully employed.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection ( I ) a Court ,nay continue a maintenance order after a child has attained I E years.
ifhe is engaged in a course ofcontinuing education or training after that age and on an application made by a parent ofthe child, a person uto has the custody ofthe child.

V8aialion or discharBs of order.

51.

(l) The Court may.

on the applicatiotr ofaparent- a person who has custody of a child or any other person legally liable to maintain fhe child, vary or discharge a mairtenance ord€r.

Non-custodial parcnt to hav€ ro child.

lccess 52.


Anon-custodial parent in respect ofwhom an application is made to a court tbr an order of parcntage, guardiamhip, custody, acccss or maintelance under this AcL shall have access to the child who is the subject oflhe order.

Application for fostcr-care placcmcnt.

53.

(l) An applicarion for the placement of a child in foste{ care shall be made to the Child Welfarc Department in the district council.
(2) A penon in whose care a child is placed or committed in forester-care shall - No.

The Child Rights .lct.
2.022 .13 (a) be abovc &e age of2l years and of high rnordl charactrr aDd proren inegrity; (b) assume the same responsibilities in rcspoct of the child's maintenance as the par€nt of the child q,hile the child remains in his care; and (c) liable for connavention offiis Act (3) A child may be placed in fost€r-care wtere - (a) the child has been commisd to an approved residential home under a care order; (bi a recommendation has been made by a probalion officer, prot€ction officer or social sewicrs officer thal an approved residential home is the most suitable place for a child; or (c) a child has been placed in an approved residential home by a person, a committee comprising a probalion ofticer, probuion omcer.
prote€tion oflicer or social sewices officcr- the person in charge ofthe approved residential home and 2 other persons from the communitl with intercst in rhe welfare of children selected by rhe disrict council.

54.

Subject to the Adoptior Act, 1989, a person who hrs Adoptiol resided with and taken careofachild in foster care fornot less than applicdion a continuous period of l8 months *J ir.f a.

"g".i;;td years, may apply to adopt a child :Lf 55.
(l) The Minister mi1, establish approved residential ApPloved homes lor the care of children in iuch areas as ire may determine.

;f,}gl|* childrcn.
41 No, The Child Rtghts 4cL 2027 (2) A p€rsoL including a norFgovernmental organisation may also establish and operate a residential home for the care of children, on an alplication for a licence to operate to the district cormcil and a recorrunendation ofthc disFict council, subject to the approval of the Minisrer- (3) A home for the care of children established under subection (2) shall not be issu€d a licence to operate uoless - (a) on inspeaion by the district comcil, itm€ €ts such slandard as the Minister may by stanJtory instrument Plescribe; (b) it has been iszued a licence to operate by lhe council after payment ofthe prescribed fee.
(4) A rcsi&ntial home for the care ofchildren operated by a non-governmeltal organisation in existence at the commencement of thisAct shall- (a) apply to the district comcil forapprorzl and the issue of a liccnce u,ithin a pe iod of 6 months liom the commencement ofthis Act: and (b) cease the ope-ration ofthe residential home for &e care ofchildren if it fails to obtain a Iicence after the 6 mooths.
(5) Where a residential horne for the care ofcbildren frils to operate may be to maintain the prescribed standard, its licenc€ cancelled or suspended by the district council and alternative arangemenls shall be made by the district council for tlre child in &e residentid ho{ne.

(6) The staffofa rcsidential lpme for the care ofchildren.

dre probation officer.


pmt€ omcer or social serriccs officer and any otlrcr pcrso shall, with respect ro a child in a residential home for the care ofchildren, - €-tion No.
The ChilJ Rights Act, 20)2 45 (a) endravour to reunite with his parents, guardiao or relatives and keep i regula comacr with the child and his family o ensure that the besr interests of the child are sustained; and (b) ercourage and assist the child to becoEr€ independent and self-rcliant u'here achitd is ii) unable ro reunite with his parents, guardian or relatives or to go to foster- parents; (ii) has no parent or foster-parefi.

care ol- cbildren - 56.


(l) A childmaybc admined to aresidential home for dte Adrnisrion of child'to into opprovcd (a) on an order ofthe coun for rhe protection of h9f6 fc childt"r- the residential child under thisict: @) on the recommerdation ofa probation ofricer, protrction officer or social seft ices officer, r+to has determined that a residential home fnr the care ofchildren is the most suitable place for the child; or (c) ifthe child is an orphan and family carc and tbsterage are not available, 57.
(l) While a child is in a residential home for the care of children, the staffof tie home shall assume parental responsibiliry for the child and to safeguard and promote the nrlfare ofthe child and ensure that lhe rights ofthe child under this Act are pror€cted.

Parcntal r.sporsibility for child i, rcsidlotirl homc for childreo.
(2) Not\.vithstanding su$ection ( I ), the parEnls, guadian or relatives of a child in a residential home for tbe care ofchildren shall supplement the €fforts ofthe home by visiting the child and otherwisc protecting the hrterests ofthe child- t6 No.

The <:hiltl Righrs Act 2022 (3) Parcfltal responsibilitv ofa cbild in a residential home for the care of children shall include making arl applic{tion to the court to protect drc best irterests of the child where necessan.

child in the home.

58.


(l) A Coun may order thatfte parent, guadian or rclative :r"#"?- ent, gu.rdis, for the care ofchildren to contribute towards the maintenance ofthe ctc to c{rntrrbutc to main- tcnaocc of a :!19 Tj, rlsrdeotral ;;;; f*' Childrcn- 59.

(l) Subject to this Act and the Adoption AcL 1989 (Act Adoption of of a ciild in a No- 9 1989) a child in a residential home forthe care ofchildEn shall rEsidlndel ;;;;;; children.
(2) An arnouot to be cont'ibuted under subsection (l) shall beofaa reasonable amoust and msy be varied by the court if there is a change in residential circumstanccs ofthe conaibutor.

not b€ put up for adoption unl€ss - (a) by a local council; or (a) parent or guardian oftte child, after consultation with the management ofthe horne- @) The managemenl ofa residential home for the care of children shall not put up a child in their home for adoption.

(JiTcnc€s 60.
(JiTcnc€s 60.

Apenon who - (a) operates a residential home for the care of l,'itbol.tr a licence issr.lEd by the local chil&€n counci l; O) continues to operate a home for the care of childr€n in conEavention of this Aa; (c) adops a child in a residential home for tLe care ofchildreo in contmventioo ofs€ction 59: 41 The Child Nghts Act.
2022 {d) obsrructs or hin&rs a person conducdng en irspection und€r section 62, commit an offence and is liable on conviction ro a 6ne of not less than 5 ,000-00 t eones or imprisoffircot for a term not less than 2 years or to boft such line and imprisonment and iD the case ofa continuing offence, ro a fifther fine of nol less than 50-00 Leones for each day on which the offence continues.

the authority ofi permit issued by the local council.

61.
61.

(t) A person shall not operate aday care c€ntI€ except on APPlication fiH| day- cart til (2) An application for a permit to operare a day-€are cetru'e centre.

under subscction (l), shall be submitted to the local courrcil and accompanied by ttre prescribed applicarion fee.
(3) A permit to op€rale a day care ceote shall not be issued unless, - (a) an inspection ofthe day care centre has been conducted by the local council; and (b) the local council is satisfied ftat fte hcilities in &e day carc centse meets such standard as tte Minist€r may by statutory fusnr[nent prescribe; and (c) the applicant has paid the prescribed application fee- (5) A day-care centre in operation wittlout a permit gflrted by a local council shall be closed by rhe local comcil or a 14 da),s' notice to the owner or operator.
A- (l) A local council shall inspect the prernises, books, lnspectio, of accounts ,(ld otter records ofa day-care centre in its localiry at t* SIfSi once in every 6 rnonths.

,18 No The Child Rights Acr.

21122 (2) U}ere an inspection ofa day-care csntre re\eals that it is not being managed efficiently in the best inter#rts olthe children.
the local council shall susprnd the permit and tle oli-ner or operator shall by a writter notice order the owDer or operator ofthe dali care centre to maiie good any default within such time as may be stipulated in the notice.

(3) Wherc the o*ner or operator tails to make good the defuuh widrin the stipulated time, his permit shall be cancelied.

Eaisring day carc c€ntre.

63.


(l) An owner or operator ofa day care cente \r'ho intends th€ day-care cente shall, at the commencement to conlinue to opemt€ ofthis Act.

apply to the local councii for a permit rvithin 6 montlrs.

p) An applicant under subsection ( I ) \vho fails to obuin a licence affer the 6 months, shall cease the operation ofthe day care centrc- 64.
A pe6on who - Offences (a) operates a day-carE centre without a pcrmit issued by the local council in contravention of subsection (l) ofsertion 6l: @) continues to operate a day-care centre in co raYention ofsection 63: or (c) obstruct or hinders a local council in conducting an inspoction under section 6?, commits an offence and is liabie on conviclion to a fine of not less than I 0,000-00 Leones or to a term of imprisonment of r:ot less than one ),ei[ or lo both such fine and imprisonment and irl the case ofa conlinuing offence to a firther fine ofnot less than 50-0O Leorres for each day on which the offrnce continues.
No, fhe Child Rights Act 2022 49 PART X - EIV'PI,oYMENT OF CHILDRTN- 65.

0) A child shall not be engaged in- Employmcnl ol a child.
(a) full-time employment uoless he is, at leasl I 5 years of age; (b) work b€tween the hours of7 oclock in the evening and 6 o'clock in tre moming; (c) wo* whicl is likely to be tErmfid to ttle health or developmart of the child and may affect the child's attendance at school or the capacity of the child to benefit from school worlq (d) hazardous work which poses a danger to the health, safety or momls oftlte child hcluding o (D (o (ro going to sea; mining and quarr_ving; porterage of lreavy loads; manufacturing industries where chemicals are produced or us€d; (v) alcohol factories; (vi) wort in phes wherc lrcavy duty machines are used; and (vri) work in places such as bars, hotels and places of etrtenain- ment where the child may be expos€d to immordl behaviour.
i{) No.

The Child Rights AcL 2t22 (2) I.iotwi{hstanding paragraph (a) of subseciou (l)- a child under rhe age of 18 years shall not be ergaged in full time emploJ,menl vithout the written consent of his parent or guardian .

chiid apprerticcsh;p. 66- (!)

Thc minimum age al which achild nray commence an apprendceship $/ith a craffsman is 14 years or after completion of basic education.
(2) The responsibilities of a craftsman towards an appremic€ und€r his care shall be to - (a) train and instruct the apprentice in a trade to the bes ofthe ability.
skill and loowledge of the craftsruan ard to th€ best abilig of the apprentice or cause tlrc appreotice to be trained in a trade under thc supenision of fte craftsman; @) responsible for any harm caused to the apprentice in the coursc ofhis training: (c) provide food for the apprentice unless otlErwise agreed; 1d) pr ovide a safe and heafthy environment for the apprcntice; (e) responsible for the moral training ofthe apprentice; and (f) act in the best interest of the apprentice gert€t'allY- (3) The parcnt, guardian or relative ofan apprenrice shall enler into an apprerti€eship agreeme[t with dre craftsman under whose care the apprentice is placed which shall be is accordance with the law relar.ng to labou and employment.
No The (-'hild Righrs Act 2022 5t 67 - ( I ) An employer in an irdusn-ial undefiaking shall keep a register indicating rhe ddes oftheir binhs i fknown or oftheir apparcnt ages iftheir dates ofbinh are not known, offie childrcn employed by him.
Childrcn employed in induslrial undcnakings to be r€sisrcred C) For the purposes of subsection (l), an induslrial undertaking is an undertaking othcr than one in commerce or agriculture and includes - (a) mines, quarries and other works for the extraction of minerals from the eartlr; (b) undertakings in which articles are manufactured, altered, cleanse4 repaired, omarnented, finishd adapted for s"le, broken up or demolished, or in which materials are transfome4 including mderukings engaged in ship building or in the generation.
transformafion or transmission of eleckicity or motive power ofany kind; (c) undertakings €ngaged in the transport of passengers or goods by road or rail, includ ing the handling of goods at docks, quays, wharves, warehouses and airports- 68.

A penon n'lro contsavetres sections 65 or 67 commis an offences offence and is liable on surrmary conviction to a firre ofnot l€ss tian 10,000.00 trooes or to imprisonment for a term ofnot less than one ]'ear or lo both such fine and imprisonment.

PART XI .
PART XI .

QUASI.JTIDICTAL CHILD ADruDICAflON 69.

In ajudicbl proceeding in Sierra korre, a child shall not be Mintmum hetd to be criminally responsible for his actions if he is below dre age :1;::"1 of 14 years, respol*ibitir)- 52 Chrld i\4cdiation Panels.

No The Child Rights .4ct 2022 (1) There shall be in each district such numberofChild 70.
Mediation Panels established by th€ district council which shall have non-judicial functions to meditale in - (a) civil mauers concemed with the rights of $e child and parental duries: Q) quasi crininal matrers between a child and any person offended by the action of the chil4 in an att€rnpt to facilitate reconciliation between the parties.
(2) A Child Panel under subsection ( I ), shall consist ola Chairman nominated by the district cormcil from among lhe members ofthe council and the following other members - (a) a member of a women's organisadon in tte disicq epoint€d by the Minister; (b) a representative ofthe Chiefdom Councils in the disfict, appointed by the Minister; (c) a distict comcil member, represe ing the council, appointed by the Miniseq (d) ?
other citizens ofhigh moral character and proven integrity from tbe community, one of whom shall be an educationali*.

appointed by the Ministec (e) rhe dislrict social services offcer or district protection officer, who shall b€ secrctary to the Child Panel.

B) The temre of office ofa Child Fanel $rall be rbe same as that ofthe distict council.

No.

Th?
No.

Th?

Child Rigtus Act, 2022 5i (4) A Child Panel shall meet as often as may be necessaDi but shall meet at least once every month- (5) The quorun at any meeting ofa Child Panel shall be 4 and in the absence ofthe Chairman.

a member elected by the members presenl Aom their number shall preside.

(Q An agreement made between tlle parties consequeot on the mediatioa ofa Child Panel shall be recorded by the secraary to rhe Child Panel.
(7) A penon with a significant interest ia a mattcr before a Child Panel may be invited to attend and participate in its deliberatioas.

(8) Subject to this Act, a Child Panel shall regulate the procedue al its meetings.

7t- 0) A Child Mediation Panel stnll permit actild to oqrcss protccrion his opinion and participate in any decision which affects the child!

of child in welfare comm€nsu-ate with the level of understanding of the child mrdiation' concemed.
@) A child appearing before a Child Mediaion Panel shall be cautioned as to the implications of his action and rhat simila behaviour may subject him 10 the juyenile justice system.

72.

0) A Child Mediarion Panel may decide to impose a communhv community guidance order on a child with tre consent of the parti., fl,if;* conc.emed in the matter.
(2) A commm$ guidance order under subsection (l) requires a child on wlrom h is imposed to be ptaced mdertte guidam€ and supervision ofa person ofgood standing in the local community for a period not exceeding 6 months for purposcs ofhis rcform.

54 No.

The Child Rights Act, 2022 (3) A Child Panel may in thecourse ofrnediation propose an apolo$/, restitution to the offended person or serice by the child to :he ofrended person.

PART xII.
JT]DICI.AL CHILD ADJUDICATION AND @URIORDEPS Family ard Childrqr's CourB- 73- Ther€ sball be such cours to be {loun as Family and Childr€n's Courts which sballbe constituted by a panel consisting of (a) a Magisrare as Chairman: and @) not less than 2 and not more lhan 4 other rnemberl including a Social Services Officer, all ofu,hom shall have proven laowledge or experience in child righs issues, appointed by the ChiefJustice on the recommendation ofthe Chief for ddt&€n's affain, Ministry Gender and Childrer's Aftin.
Dir€ctor 74.

A Family and Children's Court slull have jurisdiction in ,u-,i;dicrion matteB conceming parcnhge, cusiodv.

access and maintenance of ltrl:H'a -" chil&en and shall cxercisc such other powers as are conftrred on it couns.

by this Act or any otter €nactDent- fnmily and ChildrEot :ouns sitings.

75.
0) A Family and Ctilclrenl Coufl shall sit either in a rparate building or room tom that in ritich sittings ofother Courts are held, or on different days from those on which sinings ofother Courts a€ h€ld and a person sball not be present at a sioing of a Family and Children's Coun unless he is - (a) a member or olficcr of the Family and Children'sCourt (b) a party, counsel, witness or directly concerned in the case before the Family and Childnn's Coufi,; No The Child Rights .4ct, )) (c) a parent or gurdian ofrte child before the Family and Children's Courq (d) a probation or social welfare officer; and (e) a person urhom the Family and Children's Court authorises to be present.
p) 'fhe Chairman of a Fm ly and Children s Court shall arrange for the Coun to sit as offen as possible to dispose of cases expe{itiously.

76- (l) Tlre poceedings at a fanity Coun shall be as inlixnlal Pro-cenurc - al Family as possible and shall be by enquiry and not by adv€rsarifll and procedures.

- |llf.""'

7.

(l) A child shall have a riglrt to legal r€pcs€nt Famity and Children\ Courts.

p) A child shall have aright to - tioo at a Riehs of fl|lf,,l Chilrrrlr's Couns.
",,0 (a) give alr accoEt ad express atr opinion al a Family and Childrcn's Courq O) privacy tfuoughout the proceedings at a Family ud Childrco's Cort (c) have the right of ryp€al e)alafuEd b him and his guardian and parcnts.

16 No The Child Righrs Acr.

2022 Publication ol information on child prohibit d. 7E.
(l) A peBon shall not publish inlbrmation that may lsad totlE identificatioD ofa child in a matter beforc a Family and ChildrEn's Coun exc€pl with the permission ofthe Famil-v md Children's Coun- (2) A person who contravenes subs€ (l).

commin an offenc€ and is liable on srmmary convictiol to a fine not exceeding €tion 2 thousand Leones or imprisonment for a term not exc€eding one year or to both such fine and imprisonment.

CarE order of Coun.

79.


( I ) A Cout may issue an interim care order to the district couocil on application oy- a probation officer or social welfare officer under subparagraph (iii) ofparagraph @) ofsection 17.

(2) The interim care qder shall remove tre child from the situadon where he is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm and shall trsnsfer the parcntal rights to the Council.
(3) The probation offic.er or social welfare officer shall take custody ofthe child and shall determine the most suiable place forrhe child which may be - (a) an approved residential home; ft) wifi an approved fit person; or (c) ar ihe home ofa parent, guadian or relative.

(4) The nnximum drration of a care order shall be 3years or until the child aEains l8 ye3rs wtichever is earlier and th€ Coun ma;.v make an interim order or may vary lhe order- No.
The Child Rights Act, 2022 57 (5) The Court may make a firnher order that the parent guardiaa or another p€tson respomible for the child shall pay lor the cosr of maintaining $e child.

(O A Court shall not designate the manager of an institution as ari approved fit person to wiom the carc ofa child can be entrusted unless rhe insrirution is one which the Minister has approved by notice published in the Gazette or the institution is assigned drar ftmction by or under an Act of Parliamenr 80.
(l) A Coun may issue a supervision order to the disti" y#;;t' counci[ on an application by a pmbation officer or social welfare com.

ofticer under subparagraph (iii) ofparagraph (b) ofsection 17.

@) The sugrwision order shall bc aimed at preventing significant harm being caused to a child whilst he remains a his family home in tte cusrody olhis parefit, guardian or relative.
(3) The supewision order shall place a child under tire supervision ofthe probarion ofticer or soc ial rryelfare officer while he remains in the custody of his parent.

guardian or reldive.

(4) The maximum duration for a supewision order shall be one year or until the child attains 18 yea$, whichever is ea ier.

with rcspect to a care or supervision order b to - 81.

The duties ofa probarion officer or social lflelfrre oftc€r DqB oi prob.lion offic., ad social c/ElfdE ofliccr- )6 No.
l'he Child Rights Aci 2022 (a) advise and help the child and his famill,: (b) take reasomble seps to ensur c that lbe child is not subjected to harm; aod (c) hold rrgular reviews to plan for &e firture of the child.

Home risit.

82.

A probation officer or social welfare ofticer shall be permitt€d by a parent, guardian or relative ofthe child to visit rhe child while he is with any of thern.

General paovisions on ord€rs- E3.


(l) A child who contravenes an order fr,om the Coun and runs awa,v may be apprehended without warant by rhe police and rcturned lo the place ofthe care or supervision order.

(?)

The Court may make another order rrtere the child has run away in order ro place the child elsewhere ifttrc approved fit person is not willing ro take the child.

Discharge of orda6- 84.


A care u supervisioo order may be discharged in the best interess of the child by the Court on the application of - (a) the child, his legal rcpresentative or next ftiend; @) a probation offrcer: Nb.

The Child Rights -{ct. 2022 9 (c) a social rvellare ofticer; or (d) a parent, guardian or relative ofthe child.

&<.
&<.

A child under acare orderwhose parent, guardian nr€lative f,ifrffii", does not show an interest in the uelfare ofthechild within a period stipulared by the Court may be put up for adoption- 86. ln ajudicial pnoceeding in Sierra Leorc.

achild shall not be }flffi[i" held to be criminally responsible for his actions ifhe is below rh€ age of l4yean.

rtspomibility.
rtspomibility.

PARI XIIL ]\,IISCELLANEOUS n. (l) The Minister ma,, by statutory instrunent, mate such Rcgulatio.E regulations as he may consider necess3ry or expedieDt for gtving €ffect to this Act.

(2) Nonvithstanding fie generality ofsubsoction (l) the Minister may make rules relarhg to - (a) conduct of proceedings and discharge of tunctions by the Ward Child Welfare Conmitree: (b) fosterage; (c) homes for the care ofchildren & No.

Rcpeal and saving5- The Child Rights Act.

2022 EE.
2022 EE.

(t) The following laws are hereby repealed- (a) The Child Rights Act, ?007 (Act No.

7 of 20U?

): (b) The Children and Young Persons Act, Cap.

441 (c) The Corporal Pui$rnentAcl I 95i (Act No.

l2 ofl953I (d) subsections (2) and (3) of sections 2 and Section 5, ofthe Registration of Customary Maniage and Divorce Act 2009 (ActNo.

I of 2@); (e) section 210 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1965(Act No.32 of 1965).
(2) Not|ithstanding the rcpeal ofan enactrnent referred to under subsection (l ), rcgulatiom made under a repealed Act shall in so frr as they arc consistent with lhis Act conthue in force as if they were regulations made under this Act until such time as they are revoked (5) A Iicence issued under a rcpealed Act shall corrtinu€ ir force rmtil expiration by passage of time and shall be subject to renewal.

No.

Th.
No.

Th.

Child Rights /tct, 2022 (4) An act done, executed or issued under a repealed Act and inforce and operarive before the commencernent ofthis Act shall, so far as it could haw been done, executed or issu€d under this Act, have effect m ifdone.

execuled or issued under this Act.

6l MADE this dt1 of 2022.

MANTY TARAWALLI, Ministet of Gender and Childrotb Afairs.

F8rE-rowN, SIR-R I-EoNE- !

Pr.o"_rED AND RJBLISTGD By ns GovBNME.r PrDamrG DEpArncl\fr, SEial LEoNE G@dte No-85 6 24rH NovEroE& 2022.