Member

However, it is right that we protect all children who are at risk of harm. To be clear, even when a child has gone through this process and is living with family members or in a kinship situation, local authorities retain the duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are in need, including those in kinship arrangements. There is a duty that continues in those circumstances but, in relation to this amendment, it does not seem right to turn that into a child protection plan because, as I said previously, it is important that we do not intervene in family life where children are safe, loved and supported. However, the duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are in need continues in those circumstances.