Voice of the child
Children’s experiences, feelings, thoughts, comments and views. It is more than just what children say, and refers many other aspects of their presentation, behaviour and home environment. This means that it includes children who are too young to speak or less able to communicate effectively.
The police (and other services with child safeguarding responsibilities) should consider the voice of the child before making any decisions that affect them. This consideration is referenced in the following legislation:
- UN Convention on the Rights of the Child;
- Human Rights Act 1998;
- Children Act 1989;
- Children Act 2004; and
- ‘Working together to safeguard children 2023: statutory guidance’.