Section 64 — Children Act 1989: Welfare of children in children’s homes.

Welfare of children in children’s homes. 64 1 Where a child is accommodated in a private children’s home, it shall be the duty of the person carrying on the home to—

a safeguard and promote the child’s welfare;

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

and c 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 person carrying on the home shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, ascertain the wishes and feelings of—

a the child;

b his parents;

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

and d any person whose wishes and feelings the person carrying on the home considers to be relevant, regarding the matter to be decided.

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

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

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

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

4 Section 62, except subsection (4), shall apply in relation to any person who is carrying on a private children’s home as it applies in relation to any voluntary organisation.