Provision to reduce need for care proceedings etc.
7Every local authority shall take reasonable steps designed—
(a)to reduce the need to bring—
(i)proceedings for care or supervision orders with respect to children within their area;
(ii)criminal proceedings against such children;
(iii)any family or other proceedings with respect to such children which might lead to them being placed in the authority’s care; or
(iv)proceedings under the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court with respect to children;
(b)to encourage children within their area not to commit criminal offences; and
(c)to avoid the need for children within their area to be placed in secure accommodation.