Children & The Law
Legal guidance on youth justice, child protection laws and official registration requirements. Topics include young offender procedures, substance control regulations and parental obligations.
Changing a Child's Surname
When parents disagree about changing a child's surname, you'll need consent from everyone with parental responsibility and a legal deed poll document.
Child Abduction and Parental Rights
Taking a child out of the UK without proper consent is illegal under the Child Abduction Act 1984 and requires parental or court permission.
Child Carers: Their Rights Under the Law
Young carers have legal rights to support and education, and help is available through local services no matter where you live.
Child Court Witnesses
Help your child through a court witness experience with reassurance and practical guidance on what to expect.
Combating Underage Drinking
Help your child avoid underage drinking with signs to spot and practical ways to keep them safe and supervised.
Community Sentences for Young People
Young people convicted of crimes can face community sentences like curfews and community service instead of going to prison.
Curfew Notices for Children
When councils issue curfew notices for children, police can stop and question young people in areas with anti-social behaviour problems.
Dealing with Child Crime
Children can face criminal charges from age 10 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with serious crimes tried like adult cases.
Employing a Child
Legal rules on how old children need to be to work, what jobs they can do, and how many hours they're allowed to work.
Gambling Laws Concerning Children
About 1 in 10 children struggle with gambling addiction, from arcade machines to online poker sites that exploit young players.
How Cafcass Officers Help Children
Cafcass officers represent children in family court cases and help protect their welfare during divorce, separation, or when kids need to be taken into care.
Leaving Your Children Home Alone
UK law doesn't set a specific age for leaving children home alone, but parents must use reasonable judgment to avoid harm.
Medical Treatment for Young People
Your child can refuse to tell you about their medical treatment, and doctors must keep it confidential unless there's a safeguarding concern.
Minors and Contracts
Kids can cancel most contracts before turning 18, but employment agreements work differently to protect businesses.
Registering the Birth of a Child
You must register your baby's birth within 42 days in England and Wales to get their birth certificate and prove their legal identity.
School Admissions and the Law
You can express a preference for a school, but oversubscribed schools can reject your child if they don't meet their admission criteria.
School Exclusions and the Law
When your child is excluded from school, understand the difference between fixed-term and permanent exclusions and what your rights are.
Selling Alcohol and Tobacco to Children
UK laws ban selling alcohol and tobacco to under-18s, but young people still find ways to get them, here's how and what retailers must do.
Selling Dangerous Substances
UK shopkeepers break the law by selling dangerous substances like glue and solvents to children despite age restrictions.
Smacking Your Children
What counts as legal discipline versus illegal abuse when you smack your child, and where teachers can use force in schools.
Specific Issue Orders for Parents
Get clarity on Specific Issue Orders and how the family court helps parents resolve disagreements about their children.
What 'In Loco Parentis' Means to You
In loco parentis is a legal term that defines your responsibility for other people's children, whether at school, during childminding or on outings.
What Is a Young Offender?
A young offender is a child aged 12-17 in custody, and institutions focus on education, counselling and rehabilitation to help them reintegrate into society.