Family Law Assignment

From reading the question it is obvious that the children Tracy is dealing with are suffering from problems in their home because of their parents. I feel that it is important that I look closely at the Child Care Act 1991 to advise Tracy on what she should do. The Child Care Act 1991 focuses in great detail on helping children that suffer from child abuse. Therefor, this act will be of great benefit for Tracy and her work. I will refer to sections 13, 17, 18 and 19 of the Child Care Act 1991 to advise Tracy and I will conclude with the section of the act that I feel is the best option to use.

I would advise Tracy to look into an Emergency Care Order under Section 13 of the Child Care Act 1991. Section 13 of the Child Care Act 1991 states that if a justice of the District Court is of opinion on the application of a health board that there is reasonable cause to believe that there is an immediate and serious risk to the health or welfare of a child which necessitates his being placed in the care of a health board. This part of Section 13 applies to the case that Tracy is involved with as one of the children has obvious bruising to her legs. This would be seen as a serious risk to the health and welfare of the child. It is also said in the question that this particular child never has any lunch and has to walk for two miles alone to get to school leading me to believe that this is also a serious risk to the health and welfare of the child. It is also important to look at the health and welfare of the other two children. Tracy must take into consideration that it has been reported the childrens parents fight and consume alcohol regularly and that they are occasionally fed by their neighbours. It seems that their health and welfare is also at risk because of this. Therefor, under section 13 of the Child Care Act 1991, it would be advisable that Tracy would go through the Emergency Care Order process for the children. An Emergency Care Order lasts for a period not