What is the Children's Act and what does it state?

Question

Basically, in the UK, what is the Children's Act and what does it talk about?

Answer 1

It is the Children Act 1989 and is very far reaching. http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1989/Ukpga_19890041_en_1.htm. In fact, it is so demanding in terms of what is required for premises where children are accommodated that it has caused tremendous difficulty in areas where people used to run play groups and young people's clubs in a cheap and cheerful way: now there has to be separate toilet accommodation for children where adults may not venture, all helpers have to have police clearance, however casual their input, etc. etc. It is wonderful to have legislation which is so protective of children and their welfare, but it might possibly be a little too overbearing in some ways!

Answer 2

Basically, the Act protects the health, welfare, safety and interests of children. The whole act can be viewed here:

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2004/20040031.htm