Section 1 Duty of Authority to have regard to the views of the childI1

After Article 5 of the 1996 Order (and after the cross-heading following that Article) insert—

“Duty of Authority to have regard to the views of the child

5A

In exercising its functions under this Part in relation to a particular child the Authority shall—

(a)

so far as reasonably practicable, seek and have regard to the views of that child;

(b)

have regard to—

(i)

the importance of that child participating in decisions; and

(ii)

the importance of that child being provided with the information and support necessary to enable participation in those decisions.”.