The Children Act - Definition and Overview

The Children Act 1989 is a British Act of Parliament that altered the law in regard to children. In particular, it introduced the notion of parental responsibility, which was intended to remove the stigma and reduced privileges of children born out of wedlock. In Scotland the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 applies.

Existing UK Legislation

In chronological order:

• Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 (http://www.terry.co.uk/matcaus.html) (commercial site), law concerning the division of matrimonial assets during divorce
• Children Act 1989 (http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1989/Ukpga_19890041_en_1.htm)
• Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1995/Ukpga_19950036_en_1.htm#tcon)
  
• Family Law Act 1996  (http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1996/1996027.htm#aofs)
• Protection of Children Act 1999 (http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1999/19990014.htm)
• Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00043--c.htm#11) - Section 12 covers Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS)
• Adoption and Children Act 2002 (http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2002/20020038.htm)

Proposed new UK legislation

• Children Bill Announcement (http://www.guardian.co.uk/child/story/0,7369,1162470,00.html)
• The Children Bill 2004 (pdf) (http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-files/Society/documents/2004/03/04/bill.pdf)

Example Usage of Children