Chapter 1: Acts, Rules and Regulations

This chapter traces the legislation which has underpinned the law relating to children during the last 156 years from various Neglected & Criminal Children’s Acts commencing in 1864 through various Children’s Court Acts commencing in 1906, the landmark Children and Young Persons Act 1989 and ultimately the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 and its significant amendments in 2016.

The chapter also summarizes the Regulations, Rules, Practice Directions, Practice Notes and Guidelines relevant to the operation of the Children’s Court. It concludes with a discussion of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 and its application to protection proceedings in the Children’s Court.