Part VIII Registered Children’s Homes

I164 Welfare of children in children’s homes.

1

Where a child is accommodated in a F1private children’s home, it shall be the duty of the person carrying on the home to—

a

safeguard and promote the child’s welfare;

b

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

c

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 person carrying on the home shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, ascertain the wishes and feelings of—

a

the child;

b

his parents;

c

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

d

any person whose wishes and feelings the person carrying on the home considers to be relevant,

regarding the matter to be decided.

3

In making any such decision the person concerned shall give due consideration—

a

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

b

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

c

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

4

Section 62, except subsection (4), shall apply in relation to any person who is carrying on a F1private children’s home as it applies in relation to any voluntary organisation.