The UK's four nations – England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales – each have their own framework of child protection legislation, guidance and practice to:
- identify children who are at risk of harm
- take action to protect those children
- prevent further abuse occurring.
Although the child protection systems are different in each nation, they are all based on similar principles.
Each UK nation is responsible for its own policies and laws for education, health and social welfare. This covers most aspects of safeguarding and child protection. Laws are passed to prevent behaviour that can harm children or require action to protect children. Guidance sets out what organisations should do to help keep children safe.
