Written question asked by Lord Bellingham (Conservative) on Tuesday, 5 May 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 May 2009. It was answered by Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Labour) on Tuesday, 12 May 2009 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Children: Protection

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will take steps to encourage local authorities to issue children protection proceedings.

Answer: I have been asked to reply.Local authorities have a clear statutory duty under section 47 of the Children Act 1989 to investigate where they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. And where as a result of that investigation they conclude they should take action to safeguard and promote the child's welfare by for example applying for a care order, they must take that action. It is for individual authorities to decide when to initiate care proceedings under section 31 of Children Act 1989 when a child is at risk in their own home.

Secondary information