The first concern of the court when considering an application for contact is the child’s welfare. The Children Act 1989 provides a list of considerations for the judge who has to decide the case, which help guide them in making a decision. These are: - the wishes and feelings of the child concerned - the child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs - the likely effect on the child if circumstances changed because of the court’s decision - the child’s age, sex, background, and any other characteristics that will be relevant to the court’s decision any harm the child has suffered or may be at risk of suffering - the capability of the child’s parents (or other relevant people) in meeting the child’s needs - the powers available to the court Some of these considerations will be more relevant than others depending on the circumstances of the case. The court must also be satisfied that making an order is better for the child than not making an order at all. In recent years MPs have called for an amendment to the Children Act, which would include a child's right to have a close relationship with members of their extended family and this has been considered however, the decision was made to maintain the status quo at this time.