SAFEGUARDING

Parent Carers have the legal right and responsibility to make decisions for their children until they reach the age of 18. However, as children grow older, their ability to make their own decisions increases, and safeguarding practices must adapt to respect their developing autonomy while ensuring their safety.

Age of Consent and Decision Making

• Medical Consent: In England, children aged 16 and over can generally consent to their own medical treatment. Younger children may also make decisions if they are deemed to have the capacity to do so, known as “Gillick competence.” Read more about Gillick Competence and Fraser Guidelines. Gillick competency applies mainly to medical advice but it is also used by practitioners in other settings
• Legal Age of Consent: The legal age of consent for sexual activity is 16 in England.
• Education Choices: At 18, children can decide on their own education and career paths. Before this, parents and schools share responsibility for their decisions.

Under the Children and Families Act 2014 a child becomes a young person from the last Friday in June after they turn 16, normally the end of Year 11.

Risks for Parent Carers in Safeguarding

• Overprotection: Limiting a child’s freedom or decision-making opportunities can unintentionally harm their development.
• Neglect: Being overwhelmed or lacking resources can lead to unmet needs for the child.
• Misunderstanding Boundaries: Balancing a child’s right to autonomy with parental responsibilities requires understanding and communication.

Help and Support

The Carers’ Support Service has specialist Parent Carer Key Workers who can talk to you about your caring role and provide you with information, advice and guidance and refer and signpost you to other sources of support.

The most beneficial source of support is often other Parent Carers. We have peer support groups available. For more information about the support we provide, call:

North Lincolnshire: 01652 650585

North East Lincolnshire: 01472 242277

Parent Carer Forums

Both North and North East Lincolnshire also have Parent Carer Forums. They provide opportunities for Parent Carers to get together. They also ensure the voice or Parents are heard and often work with education, health and the local authority to improve support for Parent Carers.

North Lincolnshire Parent Forum

North East Lincolnshire Parent Forum