Child Protection
"Every child has a right to be loved and cared for, and to be safe and well, to be offered a good standard of education, to be protected from exploitation and to have opportunities for rest and play."
(UN Convention Rights of the Child 1991)
Lancaster City Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children and young people whatever their age, culture, gender, disability, language, racial origin, religious background and sexual identity when they use the services we provide.
Statutory guidance on making arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children under section 11 of the Children Act was published in August 2005. The guidance came into force on 1st October 2005. It details both how district councils already contribute to the lives of children and young people and what is expected of them, including:
- Senior management commitment to the importance of safeguarding and promoting well-being
- A clear statement of the council’s responsibilities towards children, made available to all staff
- Clear lines of accountability for work on safeguarding and promoting well-being
- Using the views of children and young people to help shape services
- Safe recruitment procedures for those coming into contact with children and young people
- Appropriate training for staff
- Effective working relationships with the council and with other agencies to safeguard and promote well-being, and to share information effectively
A copy of Lancaster City Council's Child Protection Policy is available in the right hand 'Quick Links' menu.