As an expert in the field of child welfare and protection, I can provide a comprehensive overview of Section 17 of the Children Act 1989, which is a cornerstone legislation in England and Wales aimed at safeguarding the welfare of children.

Section 17 of the Children Act 1989 is a pivotal section that outlines the responsibilities of local authorities in relation to children who are deemed to be "in need." The Act itself is a comprehensive piece of legislation that covers various aspects of child welfare, including public and private law matters concerning children and families.

Section 17(1) of the Act states that local authorities have a general duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children within their area who are "In Need." This duty is not limited to children who are already in the care of the local authority but extends to all children who may require additional support and services to ensure their well-being.

The term "In Need" is defined in the Act and generally refers to children who require support beyond what is typically available to other children. This could be due to a variety of factors, including social, economic, or environmental issues that may impact the child's development and well-being.

Furthermore, Section 17(3) of the Act specifies that local authorities must have regard to the child's racial origin, culture, religion, and linguistic background when providing services. This is to ensure that services are culturally appropriate and sensitive to the child's individual needs.

Section 17(5) requires local authorities to make assessments of children who they believe may be in need. These assessments are crucial as they help determine the level and type of services required to support the child and their family.

The Act also emphasizes the importance of working in partnership with children and their families.
Section 17(6) encourages local authorities to involve children and their parents in decision-making processes and to take into account their wishes and feelings when making decisions about services and support.

In addition to providing services directly, local authorities are also required to encourage the development of a range of services within their community.
Section 17(7) states that local authorities should take steps to encourage voluntary organizations and other bodies to provide services that support children in need and their families.

The services provided under Section 17 are intended to be flexible and tailored to the individual needs of the child. They can include a wide range of support, such as educational support, health services, recreational activities, and counseling.

It is important to note that while Section 17 provides a framework for local authorities to support children in need, it is complemented by other sections of the Act that deal with more serious situations, such as child protection and the provision of care and supervision orders.

In summary, Section 17 of the Children Act 1989 is a critical component of the legal framework for child welfare in England and Wales. It places a clear duty on local authorities to identify and support children in need, to provide a range of services to promote their welfare, and to work in partnership with children and their families to ensure the best possible outcomes.

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Under Section 17(1) of the Children Act 1989, local authorities have a general duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children within their area who are In Need; and so far as is consistent with that duty, to promote the upbringing of such children by their families, by providing a range and level of services ...read more >>