Child Protection

Articles about legal measures protecting children from harm and neglect. Topics include safety orders, parental responsibility, abuse laws, and internet safety requirements.

Child Abandonment and the Law

Child abandonment is a crime when a parent leaves a child without proper care or supervision in ways that expose them to harm or risk.

Child Bullying and the Law

Schools must have anti-bullying policies by law, but bullying happens everywhere and the law's role in protecting your child might not be what you expect.

Child Safety Orders

Child Safety Orders are court interventions for under-10s showing anti-social behaviour, issued when family problems need local authority supervision.

Child Sex Offences

Child sex offences have risen significantly over the past two decades, with the internet making exploitation easier to spread and harder to stop.

Cruelty to Children

Child cruelty takes many forms, from physical and emotional abuse to neglect and sexual exploitation, leaving lasting damage to victims.

Keeping Your Child Safe on the Internet

Help your child stay safe online with practical tips for monitoring their internet use and teaching smart browsing habits.

Understanding Parental Responsibility

Mothers automatically have parental responsibility from birth, but fathers can gain it too if unmarried by jointly registering the child.

What Is a Custodianship Order?

A Child Arrangements Order gives custody of a child to a suitable adult when parents can't care for them, keeping kids with family instead of in care.

What Is a Disqualification Order?

A Disqualification Order is a court ban preventing someone from working with children, elderly people or vulnerable adults due to serious offences.

What Is a Supervision Period?

A supervision period is a mandatory support arrangement for young offenders released from custody to help them avoid reoffending and reintegrate into society.

What Is the Child Sex Offenders Disclosure Scheme?

Parents and guardians can request information about whether someone poses a risk to children under this disclosure scheme.