This session will examine some of the issues that arise in attempting to protect children from the consequences of their own decisions when they are approaching adulthood. It will look at legal options and case law in relation to the protection of older children where the child may be at risk of exploitation but disagrees with attempts to impose restrictions on their choices over their own lives.
Learning outcomes:
• An understanding of the legal framework in the family courts for protecting children at risk of exploitation
• An understanding of the factors likely to affect court’s decision-making in this area of the law using the case of EBY as an example
• An understanding of the contrast between interventions to protect younger children and those to protect older children in the family justice system
