About | HeinOnline Law Journal Library | HeinOnline Law Journal Library | HeinOnline

LOG IN
LOG IN


38 Medico-Legal J. 1 (1970)

handle is hein.journals/medlgjr38 and id is 1 raw text is: THE MEDICO-LEGAL JOURNAL Founded igoi Vol. 38 1970 Part One EDITORIAL The Children and Young Persons Act 1969 The Children and Young Persons Act 1969, which applies to children under 14 and young persons between 14 and 17 years of age, came into force on January 1, 1970. It carries further the humanity and flexibility of previous Acts, with increas- ing emphasis on social, rather than penal management of children in trouble. It covers all circumstances, including breach of the law, in which the young may require care or supervision. While ultimate power of disposal lies in the juvenile court, informal measures are encouraged whenever feasible. Only a qualified informant may lay information before a juvenile court. An informant is a police officer or official of a local authority, such as a child care officer. The informant shall not lay information in respect of an offence if he is of opinion that it could be settled by a parent, teacher or other person, or by means of a caution from a constable (s. 5 (2)). The informant must tell the local authority that he is considering laying an information and must await observations on the case. Care and other treatment of juveniles through court proceedings may be ordered under section 1 (2) of the Act if the court is satisfied that (a) his proper development is being avoidably prevented or neglected or his health is being avoidably impaired or neglected or he is being all-treated; or (b) it is probable that the conditions set out in the preceding paragraph will be satisfied in this case, having regard to the fact that the court or another court has found that the condition is or was satisfied in the case of another child or young person who is or was a member of the household to which he belongs; or (c) he is exposed to moral danger; or (d) he is beyond the control of his parent or guardian; or (e) he is of compulsory school age within the meaning of the Education Act 1944 and is not receiving efficient full-time education suitable to his age, ability and aptitude; or (f) he is guilty of an offence, excluding homicide.