Safeguarding and Promoting Welfare of Children

Children Act 2004, s.11

Warrant: No
Force: No
Notice: No

Section 11 imposes a duty on specified bodies, including police authorities, local authorities, NHS bodies, and probation services, to make arrangements for ensuring that their functions are discharged having regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. While not a power of entry in itself, this duty underpins the exercise of all police powers involving children and requires inter-agency cooperation in child protection.

Conditions

The duty applies to all police forces, local authorities, NHS bodies, and other specified organisations
Arrangements must be in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of children
The duty applies to all functions of the body, not only those specifically related to children

Limitations

Section 11 creates a duty, not a power of entry: it does not authorise entry to premises
Failure to comply with the duty may result in criticism by Ofsted or an independent review
The duty requires cooperation between agencies: no single body has overriding authority

Last updated 24 September 2026