Children Act 1989

StatusScotlandRepealedNorthern IrelandRepealedText of statute as originally enactedRevised text of statute as amendedText of the Children Act 1989 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk.

The Children Act 1989 (c. 41) is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that received royal assent on 16 November 1989. It came into substantial force across all three jurisdictions of the United Kingdom on 14 October 1991. In September 1991, before commencement of the act in October 1991, the Commencement Order was amended so section 5(11) and (12) would not come into force until 1 February 1992. In 1995, for the purposes of devolution, the act was replaced by parallel legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland. In 2016, Part III of the act was replaced in Wales.

The act is the most substantial reform of children's law of the 20th century.

The act gives duties to local authorities, courts, parents, and other agencies in the United Kingdom, to ensure children are safeguarded and their welfare is promoted. It centres on the idea that children are best cared for in their families, but it makes provision for alternative care arrangements and for instances when parents and families do not co-operate with statutory bodies.