Child protection legislation in the UK
NSPCC factsheet
May 2012
A brief summary of the key legislation that protects children and young people in the UK.
An introduction to child protection legislation in the UK (PDF, 222KB)
is a chronological look at the Acts, Orders, Measures and statutory guidance that set the legal foundations of child protection and safeguarding in the United Kingdom.
The factsheet highlights the relevant sections of the legislation from the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 to the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.
It describes civil law that establishes systems to keep children safe from harm and actions to take if a child is at risk. It also covers criminal law for dealing with people who have offended or are at risk of offending against children.
This updated version includes the pending alterations set out in the coalition government's response to the Munro review of child protection in England, forthcoming consultations, alterations to statutory guidance and information on the commencement of new Acts.
Contact the NSPCC Information Service for information on child protection legislation, guidance and policy in the UK or any child protection topic
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