Part VII Voluntary Homes and Voluntary Organisations

I1C161 Duties of voluntary organisations.

1

Where a child is accommodated by or on behalf of a voluntary organisation, it shall be the duty of the organisation—

a

to safeguard and promote his welfare;

b

to make such use of the services and facilities available for children cared for by their own parents as appears to the organisation reasonable in his case; and

c

to advise, assist and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when he ceases to be so accommodated.

2

Before making any decision with respect to any such child the organisation shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, ascertain the wishes and feelings of—

C2a

the child;

C3C4b

his parents;

C3C5c

any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him; and

C3d

any other person whose wishes and feelings the organisation consider to be relevant,

regarding the matter to be decided.

3

In making any such decision the organisation shall give due consideration—

a

having regard to the child’s age and understanding, to such wishes and feelings of his as they have been able to ascertain;

C3b

to such other wishes and feelings mentioned in subsection (2) as they have been able to ascertain; and

c

to the child’s religious persuasion, racial origin and cultural and linguistic background.