The Children Act 1989 provides the legislative framework for child protection in England, including the paramount nature of the child’s welfare and the expectations and requirements around duties of care to children.
However, this is strengthened by the Children Act 2004 (which encourages partnerships between agencies and creates more accountability) by placing a duty on local authorities to appoint children’s services members who are ultimately accountable for the delivery of services, and to co-operate in safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and young people.