Section 61 — Children Act 1989: Duties of voluntary organisations.

Duties of voluntary organisations. 61 1 Where a child is accommodated by or on behalf of a voluntary organisation, it shall be the duty of the organisation—

a to safeguard and promote his welfare;

b to make such use of the services and facilities available for children cared for by their own parents as appears to the organisation reasonable in his case;

and c to advise, assist and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when he ceases to be so accommodated.

2 Before making any decision with respect to any such child the organisation shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, ascertain the wishes and feelings of—

a the child;

b his parents;

c any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him;

and d any other person whose wishes and feelings the organisation consider to be relevant, regarding the matter to be decided.

3 In making any such decision the organisation shall give due consideration—

a having regard to the child’s age and understanding, to such wishes and feelings of his as they have been able to ascertain;

b to such other wishes and feelings mentioned in subsection (2) as they have been able to ascertain;

and c to the child’s religious persuasion, racial origin and cultural and linguistic background.